"If we're only looking at swordsmanship, my disciples should be able to achieve a good ranking," Katori Sora said, then paused. "Besides them, Uemon Tsubakiri has also been practicing very diligently."
"Are you that confident, Professor Katori? They haven't been practicing for long, have they? Most of the students in Professor Tsunayashiro's class have been practicing since childhood," Professor Kobayashi said, not quite believing it. Even geniuses needed time to grow.
"Yes, I'm more optimistic about Sōjun Kuchiki, Nozomishin Ōmaeda, and Gosuke Ksaōji from his class. They are all very talented students, and I heard their families are grooming them as successors. The top three this time should be them," Professor Sakai said.
"Since you're so confident, Professor Katori, why don't we make a little wager?" Professor Kobayashi's eyes lit up with a mischievous idea. "Let's bet on whether any of our students can get into the top ten."
"If we were betting on who could take first place, I wouldn't be confident, as their training time is still too short. But just the top ten..." Sora said with a smile, "I'm still very confident in them." His three disciples had all mastered Spiritual Pressure control and could already swing the Marlin for over an hour.
"I heard from Kana Azashiro that your cooking is excellent. If none of our students make it into the top ten, you have to cook for us. If a student does make it, I'll treat you to dinner!" Professor Kobayashi said with a grin. She was looking for a chance to have a meal with him and get closer. After seeing his Kaidō skills, she had developed a certain admiration for him.
"I think that works," Professor Sakai nodded vigorously. Either way, she would get a free meal.
...
Before the matches, Sora decided to give his disciples a pep talk. After all, if he lost the bet, he'd have to cook for his colleagues.
"After two months of training, you have all grown a lot. I have great confidence in you," he said with a smile. "I've observed Class 1-1's training. There are three opponents to watch out for—Sōjun Kuchiki, Nozomishin Ōmaeda, and Gosuke Ksaōji. They have excellent talent and have been practicing since childhood."
"I'm very confident too!" Kana Azashiro said, rolling up her sleeves and making a small fist. "Don't worry, professor, I'll take first place!" She had recently learned the "Shungeki" technique and was feeling on top of the world.
"Hmph, first place is mine. You and Shinji can fight for second," Kensei Muguruma said, not backing down. Although he hadn't learned "Shungeki" yet, he was close to mastering the "Spiritual Pressure blade" technique and stood a chance against Kana.
"Hey, I won't fight you guys for first in swordsmanship this time. I think I have a bigger advantage in the Kidō exam," Shinji Hirako said. He had started later and hadn't yet mastered the "Spiritual Pressure blade," putting him at a disadvantage.
"It seems you are all very confident. If you can make it into the top ten in this exam, I will make a delicious dish you've never had before as a reward. If you make it into the top three..." Sora paused, then, under their expectant gazes, said slowly, "I will teach you a new sword technique."
"Delicious food and a new sword technique..." Kana was torn. "If I get into the top three, do I only get the new technique?"
"The top three reward and the top ten reward can be stacked," Sora said with a smile.
"Yay! I want both the feast and the new technique!" Kana was invigorated.
"Top three?" Kensei smiled confidently. "That's too easy!"
"Looks like I'll have to try hard..." Shinji said helplessly.
...
The swordsmanship exam was held in a large training hall. The two participating classes drew lots to determine their opponents. With sixty-three people, one person was bound to get a bye. The Professors sat at a long table, waiting. Head Ashido had managed to take time off from his busy schedule to preside over the exam. Even the frequently absent Tokinada Tsunayashiro was here, though he looked annoyed at having been specially summoned.
"My turn," Kensei Muguruma said, reaching into the lottery box. "Let's see which unlucky guy I got." He froze when he saw the name on the paper.
Shinji Hirako peered over his shoulder. "Tsk, tsk, why'd you stop? Don't tell me you drew Kana?"
"It's Sōjun Kuchiki..." Kensei's expression was grave. He had drawn the worst possible opponent in the first round.
"But this is good too. After I take care of him, no one will stand in my way of getting first place!" Kensei quickly adjusted his mindset.
"Hey, hey—don't act like I don't exist!" Kana said, annoyed.
"Hurry up and draw, there are people behind you," Sora reminded them.
Shinji stepped forward and drew. "Gosuke Ksaōji... seems like another tough opponent," he said, slapping his forehead in resignation.
"My turn—" Kana drew a slip of paper from the box.
"Why aren't you saying anything? Did you draw Nozomishin Ōmaeda?"
"I got a bye!"
"Huh?"
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