The Fifth Round.
After the referee signaled for both sides to enter the arena, the atmosphere both inside and outside the field became much quieter.
Uesugi Sakura put on her helmet, tightened the straps at the back of the face mask, picked up the bamboo sword placed on her left side, and slowly stepped into the arena at the referee's cue.
Naito Genichiro did the same, both of them walking in sync towards the center of the rectangular game field.
They each carried their swords in one hand, bowed facing the audience, then bowed to each other, and then gripped the bamboo sword handles with both hands, squatting while maintaining eye contact.
Squatting is a courtesy, starting from the middle stance, with the heels turned inward and brought together, then squatting down while keeping the upper body posture unchanged.
In Sword Dao, this is a reflection of "formulating a strategy to defeat the opponent before the battle, indicating confidence and cultivation."
