After this battle, not a single kendo club member dared complain about Yuu joining.
...Especially after defeating Himura, Yuu walked toward the bald man with the shinai in hand, tapping it lightly against his palm as he smiled at him:
"Yo, you and your buddies seemed to have a lot of complaints about me? You even shouted 'kora!' telling me to be more respectful? Hahahaha, impressive courage—I like that."
"What a coincidence. I'm used to eliminating all obstacles early on. To prevent any misunderstandings that might lead to unpleasant cooperation later, how about we get to know each other properly with swords right now?"
Yuu spread his arms wide, smiling politely:
"Don't say I'm bullying the weak. I won't wear armor and will fight one-handed. Meanwhile, you can all wear full protection. If that still seems unfair, I won't use either hand. I'll show you the legendary sword techniques from the greatest swordsmen of the sea."
"By the way, do you prefer one-on-one or gang-up? One-on-one means you versus me; gang-up means me versus all of you. Doesn't matter which you pick—just don't run away."
After speaking in a low voice, he leaned in close, as if about to kiss, staring sharply into the bald man's cold-sweating face, smirking.
"He's a villain."
"The kind of lowlife villain who gets kicked to death by the protagonist in the first chapter."
"How embarrassing..."
Yuigahama, Iroha, and Yukino couldn't bear to watch and turned their heads away, faces slightly flushed with embarrassment.
In contrast, Masuzu folded her arms across her chest and nodded proudly. "Truly worthy of being my Yuu. Just trample them all, use the kendo club as your stepping stone, and start building your own empire from now on!"
"You can't do that." Hearing those words, Kanade immediately tugged his sleeve and said seriously, "If he wants power of his own, Senpai Yuu could run for student council president. Then everyone would listen to him."
"Ugh..."
For a moment, Masuzu's expression froze. Her exaggerated act seemed to collapse under that overly innocent gaze. A pang of guilt welled up from deep within her heart.
Her eyes darted around. She cleared her throat twice. "That, Tachibana-san... I was just joking earlier. Can't you tell?"
"Joking?"
Unlike Masuzu, Kanade—whose snow-white hair was as pure as the first winter snow—tilted her head in confusion, then let out a soft sigh. Her golden eyes radiated a calmness that was oddly reassuring.
"Thank goodness."
"You don't even understand jokes. Did you grow up in some paradise where everyone speaks honestly?"
Masuzu turned her face away, refusing to look at her.
For some reason, in front of this underclassman who was just one year younger, her worst traits seemed magnified. The more she stared into those clear, sincere eyes, the more she was forced to confront how petty and fake she truly was compared to others.
"Not really. They joke with me too, and lie to me... It's just that if they don't say it, I usually can't tell."
Shaking her head, there wasn't a trace of sadness on Kanade's face. She simply lifted her small face and gave a gentle smile. "But even if it's a joke or a lie, as long as it makes everyone happy, I think that's important enough. Whether it's heaven or not."
"As long as people are happy, truth or lies don't matter?" Masuzu stared at the floor, sighing. "Such naïve and selfish thinking—just like him."
Kanade blinked. "Is that bad?"
"Not bad at all. The world needs one or two people like you so negative energy doesn't pile up uncontrollably without anyone cleaning it up." Masuzu shrugged helplessly, then suddenly raised her hand and gently patted Kanade's head.
"Cute underclassman! Keep being like this and become the fresh air of this world!"
Facing Masuzu's hand, Kanade looked up, confused. "Just like Tenkuji-senpai, why do you also pat my head?"
"Well..."
Recalling the scene of Yuu ruffling her hair at the Service Club and his pleased expression when praised, Masuzu's eyes sparkled. She narrowed her eyes with a cold look.
If she were a kind-hearted woman, of course she wouldn't have such twisted thoughts.
But quite the opposite!
She, Masuzu, was a jealous, suspicious villainess. After dating for so long, he hadn't even touched her chest once. She already suspected Yuu was a pedophile!
Based on her observations, Yuu either liked flat chests or petite girls—but given Yukino's existence, it was 90% certain this man was indeed slightly pedophilic!
Ah, what a disappointing discovery...
Masuzu, supremely confident in every seductive curve of her body, nearly burst into tears. No wonder there had been so many opportunities yet the other party remained unmoved. The root cause was a flaw in the preference system!
And Tachibana Kanade, a 15-year-old girl likely only 150 cm tall, not only fell squarely within his preferences but was also unguarded and easily deceived by wicked men...
Clearly, Yuu—who flirted with women everywhere—was a 100% evil man.
She had to stop this before it happened.
"Listen, Tachibana-san."
"Yes?"
"Do you know? There are creatures in this world who enjoy having young girls call them 'Onii-chan' and get excited over underdeveloped bodies. They're the FBI's top targets..."
As she spun her tale, Masuzu felt a pang in her heart. This was a rare experience for someone who lived on lies.
But wait—wasn't this actually not a lie, but the truth?
Masuzu instantly felt relieved.
"Underdeveloped bodies..." Kanade glanced at Masuzu's ample chest, then looked down. Her gaze landed directly on her own toes.
Though she showed no expression, Masuzu sensed disappointment from the other side. The light in her eyes dimmed.
Her conscience's torment intensified. Masuzu took a deep breath to steady herself. She decided not to beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"Creatures like that are called pedophiles—and Yuu is one of them... So you must be careful and keep your distance, so he doesn't reveal his fangs to you someday."
Was it really okay to slander her own boyfriend like this? For some reason, she regretted the words the moment they left her mouth.
Kanade lowered her eyes, seemingly pondering the truth of those words.
"Is this also a joke?"
"...No. Not this time."
Saying this without changing her expression, Masuzu punched her own chest lightly to relieve the tightness in her heart.
"I understand. I'll be careful."
Kanade nodded, her expression remaining blank.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At that moment, Yuu, who had finished meeting the kendo club members and completed friendly communication, finally returned to the Service Club group.
"The issue is almost settled. Later, we'll find time to discuss match order and practice together before nationals."
Yukino lifted her gaze from the light novel she'd been reading and calmly looked at him. "So we have no further business here?"
"I could've come alone. You guys can decide whether to join or not. During nationals, the kendo club will stay in Kyoto for four days and three nights. As an outside member, I have the privilege to invite a few friends to watch—we can ride the bus together, and I'll help book accommodations. But lodging costs will be self-paid."
"Going to Kyoto..." Yukino sank into thought. Her delicate fingers tapped the back of her book. "I don't mind..."
"Hmm, I'm not sure if Mom will agree. Four days—I'd need school permission too..." Yuigahama looked very interested, but couldn't commit immediately.
Yuu shrugged casually. "Anyone who wants to go, let me know later. As for Masuzu, you—"
"Do I even need to be asked? I won't let you leave me for so long. I'll follow you anywhere, even to the ends of the earth," Masuzu said, hugging his arm and grinning widely.
Then she glanced at Kanade. She expected the straightforward, innocent girl to step forward and ask Yuu if he was a pedophile. She had prepared her excuses.
But surprisingly, the silver-haired girl simply stood in place, quietly observing their conversation. She didn't interrupt or show any intention to be wary of Yuu.
(She doesn't fully believe my words? Seems she's not just a simple fool.)
For some reason, Masuzu felt relieved.
"What are you thinking about?" Yuu's low voice sounded in her ear.
Masuzu froze. Before she could answer, she felt her forehead gently flicked.
"Must be thinking something bad? Were you secretly badmouthing me?"