Hayato Kirisaki gave Ayaka Kobayashi a brief nod of greeting. There wasn't much to say. Despite sharing the same surname, they were practically strangers. Hayato's "Kirisaki" was a borrowed identity—he had no clue where Ayaka's ancestors were chilling eight hundred years ago, so claiming kinship was pointless. What was he supposed to do, ask, "So your family doesn't have a dragon maid either?" to bond over shared disappointment?
"Kase, let me see the results of your training," Hayato said, turning to Masafumi Kase.
Fresh from a round of practice, Masafumi was drenched in sweat, his cheeks flushed, but he nodded with boundless energy. "Okay!"
He strode to an open area, and the club members naturally parted, creating a stage for Masafumi's performance. Raising his wooden sword, he executed a feint, then launched into a practice bout against an imaginary opponent. His footwork was nimble, his swordplay sharp, and his fundamentals rock-solid. Even in this solo display, his focus was razor-sharp, his concentration unbreakable.
Hayato observed for only a moment before grasping why Sakura Miyajima, in the original story, was so fond of this kid. In terms of raw talent, Masafumi outshone Ayumu Matsubara by a mile. Speaking of Ayumu, Hayato hadn't seen him after school today—probably off goofing around somewhere.
"Not bad," Hayato said.
"Kase can be said to be the rookie king of our club, right?" a senior remarked.
"Indeed, there's no one with higher quality than him in this batch," another agreed.
"I don't think so," a dissenting voice piped up.
All eyes turned to the speaker—a fellow newcomer from this year's batch. "What, do you still want to spar with Kase-kun?" they teased.
The newcomer shook their head, pointing at Hayato instead. "Isn't he also a newcomer?"
The seniors exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of awe and exasperation. Indeed, this guy's a heavyweight. Technically a second-year, Hayato was still a Kendo Club newcomer… but this newcomer? Define "newcomer"!
They'd never seen a rookie who, on his first day, obliterated Takeshi Kato, one of the club's top dogs!
"He… is an exception," a senior said, voice strained.
"Oh, not bad," Hayato said, adopting a teacherly air. He clapped his hands, praising Masafumi. "Your lower body is solid; it seems you took what I said last time to heart."
"That's right!" Masafumi beamed, his flushed face glowing with excitement at the praise.
"But, the speed isn't enough."
"Speed?"
"Your lower body is as unmoving as a mountain, but your sword momentum should be as swift as the wind."
Hayato called out, "Sword!"
His wooden sword landed in his hand—not through some mystical sword-summoning technique, but because Takeshi Kato, ever the loyal bro, tossed it to him. That's the perk of restroom bonding.
Hayato flicked the wooden sword and thrust forward with a fluid motion. "Did you understand?"
Masafumi nodded as if he got it, then shook his head, uncertain.
"Air won't fight back, but enemies are different," Hayato said. He thought for a moment, then tapped his shoulder with the flat of the sword. "Forget it, since I'm already here, I'll demonstrate it for you. I'll do it once for you to watch carefully; if you're afraid you won't understand, record it."
His gaze swept over the club members. "Who among you can fight?"
A club member shouted, "Of course Senior Miyajima, am I supposed to?"
"But the Minister isn't here…"
"Then next in line is the Vice Minister, right?"
Hayato's eyes landed on Ayaka Kobayashi again. She stood with her fair chin slightly raised, watching him coach Masafumi with an arrogant posture. So grandmaster-like! Ayaka thought, her heart fluttering. If he wore a kendo grandmaster's kimono, he'd look like a sword hero from a samurai tale, right? Ehehe!!
"Heh, if you want to spar with me, I won't hold back," she said aloud, her tone brimming with confidence.
"Understood, then I'll trouble Senior Kobayashi…" Hayato replied.
"Just call me Ayaka," she said indifferently. With both of them sharing the "Kobayashi" surname, formalities felt awkward.
"Alright, Ayaka," Hayato said politely.
The Kendo Club members gasped in unison, their eyes wide as saucers.
Goodness, they exclaimed!
In Japan, the etiquette of addressing others was a sacred art. Acquaintances stuck to last names; adding "-san" signaled respect, while "-kun" hinted at a cozy familiarity. But calling someone by their first name? That was reserved for the closest of bonds—something even traditional couples hesitated to do early in their relationships.
Ayaka Kobayashi frowned, her voice sharp. "Add 'senpai' for me!"
Oh no… Why does 'Ayaka' sound so sweet when he says it? His voice carried a strange magic, like the clear chime of a mountain stream splashing against pebbles on a summer day. Ayaka's heart fluttered traitorously.
"Ah… Oh, I'm sorry, Ayaka-senpai," Hayato Kirisaki apologized, his tone earnest.
Ugh, it's so hard for a Chinese guy to wrap his head around these Japanese customs… Hayato thought, mentally shrugging at his friends' complicated traditions.
"Show some respect to your senior, rookie," Ayaka said coldly, turning to retrieve her wooden sword.
Ugh, I regret it! I should've let him keep calling me 'Ayaka'… 'Ayaka-senpai' feels so distant! she thought, lamenting the emotional chasm those extra syllables created.
She grabbed her wooden sword, took a deep breath, and steeled herself with a serious mindset. Alright, let's take this battle seriously! If Hayato was all flash and no substance, she couldn't possibly let Sakura fall for such a shallow guy. I'll take… no, I'll crush him.
She turned to face Hayato.
He was gazing at the wooden sword in his hand, muttering, "Invade like fire, move like thunder… Hmm? Should I call you Thunderfire Sword… Damn it."
"I hope you'll show your true skills," Ayaka said, her tone challenging.
"Mm," Hayato nodded, calm and composed.
Ayaka took a deep breath, and she and Hayato moved simultaneously, standing face-to-face, wooden swords at the ready. Clear your mind, Ayaka. He's not that handsome, she told herself. Kobayashi Ayaka, you're not some shallow girl obsessed with male beauty!
"Ready! Start!" Takeshi Kato, acting as referee, bellowed with authority.
The words barely left his mouth when a thunderous thud of footsteps echoed through the dojo.
Hayato, like a bolt of lightning, surged forward, closing the distance to Ayaka the instant she looked up. A sword thrust!
True to her title as Vice Minister, Ayaka instinctively raised her sword to block, despite the jolt of fear that shot through her. The wooden swords clashed, and their eyes locked.
Hayato's face was way too close—barely forty to fifty centimeters away.
Ayaka froze, her knees trembling. Not from the force of his strike, but because… that face, so exquisite, at fifty centimeters? It's downright lethal.
Damn it, let me be shameless—I'm falling for this male beauty! Ayaka thought, surrendering to her heart's chaotic swoon.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.