A flash of steel and a shadow of a blade appeared; in an instant, life and death were decided.
While the situation between Akishin and Hachiman wasn't quite that dire, their auras showed no room for compromise.
Compared to the match against Kondo Soichi, which was essentially a monkey's acrobatic performance, this felt like a true life-and-death struggle.
It was a match born from two entirely different worlds.
In truth, the audience couldn't see anything clearly. However, the rhythmic clack of bamboo swords and the way the two of them leaped and repositioned—though appearing chaotic—possessed a hidden harmony.
Like a master carpenter crafting a masterpiece, there was order within the chaos. In the end, all the separate components were assembled into a single, smooth, and stable object.
—In short, it looked incredible.
Several people subconsciously sat up straight, their breathing slowing down for fear of missing a vital mont. Watching this live was a world apart from seeing it on television.
...
Hachiman's breathing was steady yet rapid. He stared intensely at Akishin, his feet moving lightly in a fan-shaped pattern as he circled him.
He was searching for an opening to strike.
Akishin maintained a constant smile, holding his shinai with a relaxed grip. To an outsider, he looked full of openings, but only those standing directly across from him understood that there was absolutely nowhere to attack.
It felt as though any strike would be instantly parried.
Halting his footsteps, Hachiman suddenly felt a sense of relief. Why was he so insistent on attacking Chishima-sensei? It was a goal, sothing to be pursued, but he didn't need to be shackled by it.
Hachiman stopped moving. His right foot stepped forward, his body lowering slightly. He spun his bamboo sword once before settling it quietly at his waist.
With his left hand gripping the middle of the sword's body, he took a stance to execute a draw-sword technique.
Akishin blinked, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes before he smiled. He raised his own shinai, holding it horizontally across his body.
'Thrust'
Hachiman moved. His feet propelled him forward with full force, his body launching like a sharp arrow. In an instant, he appeared before Akishin. The bamboo sword in his hand was drawn and swung downward in a single motion.
Iai Tsuba Geki!
Ding ding!
Two sharp tallic clacks rang out, so close together they nearly rged into one. It didn't sound like bamboo at all.
The audience couldn't see the details, but they could certainly feel the speed, enough to make their scalps tingle.
Tak!
Hachiman's shinai shattered. Akishin's own sword stopped less than a centiter from Hachiman's neck. He offered a quiet word of praise: "Well done."
This was a rare complint from Akishin, and Hikigaya had truly earned it.
The 'Iai Tsuba Geki' was a move Akishin had developed based on the legendary sword technique 'Tsuba Gaeshi.'
The technique unleashed two consecutive slashes in the blink of an eye, the direction resembling the forked tail of a swallow—hence the na.
In legend, 'Tsuba Gaeshi' involved three instantaneous slashes. One slash to strike the swallow, one to cut off its escape route as it dodged using the wind, and a third to seal the side path.
The sequence was to parry first, then block the path, and finally deliver the killing blow.
Unfortunately, Akishin had tested it and found that the move was purely for show; it looked good, but that was about it.
Setting aside the physical requirents needed to achieve three slashes in an instant, by the ti the second slash landed, the power behind the third dropped drastically.
It could be used against weak opponents, but using it against a true master was essentially a death wish—though, of course, it was also possible that Akishin was just doing it wrong.
Ultimately, Akishin abandoned 'Tsuba Gaeshi,' but from his research into it, he began experinting and created 'Iai Tsuba Geki.'
He removed the redundant third slash, keeping only two. The first slash was ant to deceive the enemy with extre speed, while the second was the actual killing blow.
It was incredibly simple, but because of that simplicity, it was nearly impossible to stop!
Who could react instantly to block a second strike from a different direction right after parrying the first?
It was difficult, extrely difficult—monuntally difficult!
Without imnse speed and reflexes, combined with a total lack of familiarity with how the 'Iai Tsuba Geki' worked, defending against it was almost a lost cause.
Even knowing the chanics didn't help much. It mattered, but not by much. The core focus of the 'Geki' was speed; if you weren't fast enough, knowing it was coming wouldn't save you.
Unless the opponent was a grandmaster of the sword, or if they had soone who could perform 'Iai Tsuba Geki' to practice with.
On the other hand, learning 'Iai Tsuba Geki' wasn't actually that hard.
Of course, that "not hard" was under the condition of careful guidance from a teacher. If one tried to fumble through it alone, the result would likely be a re imitation.
The most important factor was the shift in power between those two slashes.
There were two main drawbacks to 'Iai Tsuba Geki.' First, it was difficult to control; the power could easily go wild, preventing the user from changing techniques in ti after the second strike, or even destroying the weapon. Second, the physical requirents—specifically wrist strength—were incredibly high.
Just like the 'Thrust,' this technique couldn't be used frequently. In fact, it was arguably more demanding, with a higher physical toll. Akishin himself could only use it three tis in a short burst at most.
He had used this technique during his fight with Yagyu Jubei. Jubei had managed to block it, but he had to pay a steep price; and as a consequence of the strike being blocked, Akishin hadn't felt particularly great afterward either.
If used three tis in a short window—no, in a real fight to the death, using it just twice would essentially leave Akishin's arm paralyzed. If the enemy wasn't dead by then, he would be.
Once Akishin mastered the technique, he passed it on to his first disciple, Hachiman. He hadn't expected Hachiman to actually master it yet, intended only to give him a basic understanding.
Who would have thought Hachiman had been practicing it in secret!
His execution was already quite convincing. Aside from the issues with power transition, his speed had reached the required standard.
The reason Hachiman's bamboo sword had shattered was due to the power spiraling out of control during the second slash.
Akishin was certain that if Hachiman took a real sword and fought Suzuki Tsuyoshi using only 'Iai Tsuba Geki,' Hachiman would win.
The condition was that it had to be decided in a single strike.
If Suzuki Tsuyoshi were allowed to counter-attack, Hachiman still wouldn't be able to hold him off.
After that one strike, Hachiman's right hand would also be effectively crippled for a while. He would need at least three hours of rest before he could even hold a sword again.
Akishin pulled back his sword, looked at Hachiman, and offered another smiling complint: "Very good."
Two praises in a row represented an imnse level of satisfaction.
In total, this move had only been taught to Hachiman for a little over a week.
"It's all thanks to Sensei's excellent teaching."
Hachiman spoke humbly, but his words couldn't hide his joy.
Having been Akishin's student for several months now, this was the clearest praise he had ever received. It validated all his hard work—even if his right hand was currently trembling and felt incredibly uncomfortable.
Akishin naturally noticed Hachiman's condition and laughed. "Go on down for now. Have Yuigahama help you out of your Kendo gear, then give your wrist a good massage."
He caught a glimpse of Yui, Komachi, Saki, and Saika all looking on with worried expressions. Inwardly, he clicked his tongue. This kid really was a teen drama protagonist; his luck with won was no joke.
Fortunately, he still had Shizuka. Shizuka alone surpassed them all.
And so...
"Chishima-kun, could you hold back a little during your matches? That bamboo sword was bought less than a week ago and barely used, and now it's broken again... and Hikigaya's hand is still shaking. What if his wrist is injured..."
Akishin: "..."
Can I request a do-over? This ti, I'll make sure the kid hits the dirt before he even gets into his Iai stance...
On the other side, a large group of people surrounded Hachiman.
Yui and Saki were carefully helping Hachiman remove his Kendo armor; Komachi held his hand and massaged it gently; Totsuka Saika watched with worry; Zaimokuza Yoshiteru was talking big, praising Hachiman's 'God's Strike.'
"Hikki, you were amazing! Chishima-sensei even praised you twice in a row. You're definitely going to be the champion at the Gyokuryu-ki..."
"Ahem, I don't really know what to say, but basically, keep it up... where should I put this face guard..."
"Onii-chan was way too reckless. It's just practice, Komachi was so worried... so all that ti you were holding a wooden sword at ho practicing Iai every day was for this move..."
"Hachiman, how is your hand? Is it hurt..."
"Hahaha, Hikigaya Hachiman, you truly are a man chosen by the heavens! That 'Instant Kill' move was so fast even I, General Zaimokuza, couldn't see it... not to be underestimated. You are worthy of being my rival... Co! Let us battle for three hundred rounds..."
Seeing all these people, Hachiman felt a bit embarrassed, his thoughts becoming a jumble. "Well, haha, that... I'm really fine, don't worry..."
Except for his wrist, which was aching and had no strength left.
Kondo Yuika and Sakurai Kaiko looked at the two sides receiving such vastly different treatnt. They exchanged a look and let out a small laugh—Hahaha, why did Chishima-sensei seem so pitiful? Mustn't laugh, mustn't laugh, absolutely mustn't laugh.
Soichi approached Akishin, looking up with big eyes that stared directly at him without blinking, like a cute puppy asking for a treat. He called out dutifully, "Sensei, what was that move just now? The one Senior Disciple used looked so cool. Is it a secret technique of our style?"
Akishin always understood that Kondo Soichi was still a child; he naturally gravitated toward flashy things. The 'Iai Tsuba Geki' was incredibly cool, and the shattered bamboo sword at the end was a major bonus point.
He replied with a smile, "You could say that. It's a 'Tsuba Geki' technique I researched myself. Why, does Soichi-kun want to learn it?"
Soichi nodded vigorously. "Mm-hmm, yes! I want to learn. Teacher, please teach ."
He wasn't just after the coolness of 'Tsuba Geki'; he was more interested in its power. Although he hadn't seen the two strikes clearly, he had seen the exploding bamboo sword.
If he could master this move, he'd have a chance to turn the tables when facing an unbeatable enemy.
It was a ultimate move, an ace up the sleeve.
"No."
"Eh! Why not?"
Caught off guard by the imdiate rejection, Kondo Soichi was completely confused. "Is it because I'm too small? Or do I lack the qualifications to learn it? Is there so kind of test?"
Akishin placed his hand on the boy's head and shook his own. "It's not a test; anyone can learn this move. I said no because you're still too young. You're in your growth period right now. This technique would easily damage your wrists and leave you with lifelong regrets."
"..."
Soichi felt a bit disappointed. He had noticed the difference in how Akishin treated them. During practice, Akishin would only let his Senior Disciple do the heavy lifting, but Akishin would always watch from the sidelines, patiently pointing out every flaw and showing constant care.
This contradictory feeling left Soichi a bit bewildered. He couldn't figure out if Akishin didn't care about him, or cared about him too much.
Ultimately, unable to think of another reason, he could only categorize it under 'I'm still a kid.'
Akishin rubbed his small head. "The requirents for these moves are too high. They really aren't suitable for you yet."
He was also reflecting on whether his demands were too high, but even if he trained Soichi himself, the result would be the sa.
The act of recklessly throwing people to the ground just wasn't suited for soone as young as Soichi.
After practice ended, it was ti for lunch. Akishin took charge of the cooking, Yuika assisted, while Kaiko and Saki washed the ingredients and prepared the rice.
Yuigahama Yui also wanted to help, but for so reason, Hachiman strictly forbade it, nearly bringing Yui to tears.
The others stayed in the activity room to hang out.
During the al, Shizuka said, "Hikigaya, I'll be organizing a Sumr Camp soon. You all should co along."
The students eating nearby all turned to look at Shizuka at the sa ti.
Sumr Camp? What kind of Sumr Camp?
Shizuka took a sip of juice before adding, "Specifically, it's an Elentary School Forest Sumr Camp. You'll be going as volunteers to help the younger kids."
Hachiman asked, "Why do we have to be volunteers? That sounds like a massive pain."
Shizuka glared at him. "It's precisely because of people like you that this Sumr Camp is necessary—to fix that rotten personality of yours."
Hachiman: "..."
"That's right, Soichi-kun."
Shizuka looked at Soichi, who was sitting next to Yuika, and gave a small smile. "The ones participating in the Sumr Camp are from your school; they're your sixth-grade seniors. You should co along too!"
"Eh! Am I allowed to go?"
"Of course."
Soichi was clearly excited and really wanted to go, but he still looked at Yuika hesitantly.
Shizuka knew what he was thinking. Before Yuika could speak, she said, "Of course, Kaiko and Yuika will be going as well, and so will your Chishima-sensei. I'll speak properly with your parents and your horoom teacher. So, I'm asking you all now, do you have ti during the sumr break?"
Saki asked, "Hiratsuka-sensei, when exactly is this Sumr Camp taking place?"
"We'll leave after Hikigaya finishes the Gyokuryu-ki and returns. The principal of that school is a friend of my father's; I can adjust the timing."
Everyone: "..."
Who knew you were such an 'insider'!
Kondo Yuika and Sakurai Kaiko looked at each other, then both turned to look at Akishin.
Akishin smiled and nodded. The two of them smiled and said to Shizuka in unison, "Hiratsuka-sensei, we'll go. We have the ti."
Kondo Soichi cheered, "Hooray! A Sumr Camp! I've never been to one before."
Zaimokuza Yoshiteru and Totsuka Saika added, "We have ti too. No problem."
Kawasaki Saki thought for a mont and said, "I can go as well."
She had originally planned to enroll in a cram school, but after joining the 'Chishimaya Study Group,' she felt this place was far superior. Setting aside the quality of the people, the two teachers here were incredible.
Hiratsuka-sensei went without saying; although she taught National Language, she was actually an all-rounder who could teach any subject. There was almost no exam question she couldn't solve.
Chishima-sensei was even more impressive. His teaching thods were unique, his explanations were clear and simple—especially in Mathematics. He was brilliant and helped you fill in all your foundational gaps.
After attending the study group for a few days, they could all clearly feel their Math scores improving.
"That's right, Kawasaki," Shizuka added. "You can bring your younger brother and sister along too."
Saki was montarily tempted but ultimately shook her head. "It's fine. They want to play at ho during the sumr break and help our parents once in a while."
Finally, Yui asked hopefully, "Hiratsuka-sensei, is Yukinon going?"
"Yukinoshita? She's coming."
"Really? That's great!"
Yui cheered once, then looked at Hachiman a bit shyly. Hachiman was stunned for a mont, his face flushing slightly as he gripped his bowl and nodded.
Yui looked back at Shizuka and said happily, "Hiratsuka-sensei, I have ti too. I'll go!"
Akishin watched the hopeful students and nodded with a smile. Shizuka had discussed this with him beforehand. She had been worried it would interfere with his Izakaya's operations; if it did, she would have cancelled it.
Of course, he fully supported it.
As for the Izakaya, wasn't it normal for it to open intermittently?
And besides...
Regarding the Sumr Camp, his own expectations were no lower than the students'. He had never participated in one before.
On the contrary, he had once fought in a forest while wielding a machine gun.
...
Ti passed unnoticed in their quiet lives.
Quickly, a week flew by.
It was ti for the Gyokuryu-ki tournant, and the group set off for Fukuoka Prefecture.
...
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