----Kyoto, the Saionji'sResidence----
"Well then, on behalf of Advanced Nurturing High School, I welcome Ryosuke's arrival."
A middle-aged man with silver hair spoke with a cheerful smile to the stern-faced man seated at the head of the room.
"Mm. To be honest, I hadn't planned on sending him to Advanced Nurturing in the first place. All that talk about being guaranteed your ideal job after graduation is meaningless for our family, especially for him."
"Yes, but I still believe that what our school offers students goes far beyond realizing ideals or a certain degree of social mobility."
"That's precisely why I agreed in the end. His current mindset is far from what a typical teenager should have."
"Well, he is the genius who's been called gifted in both the literary and martial arts since childhood. I heard he even earned the title of Sword Saint not long ago. Each generation truly surpasses the last."
"Speaking of which-" Saionji Keitaro, seated at the head, lowered his voice, a slight shadow crossing his expression. "I've heard that the Whiteroom has produced a 'successful result.' How does he compare to Ryosuke?"
At the mention of "Whiteroom," the silver-haired man gave a knowing smile.
"Ah, he's Ayanokōji-sensei's son—Ayanokōji Kiyotaka. Funny coincidence, he's also entering Advanced Nurturing this year."
For a brief moment, Saionji Keitaro showed a hint of surprise, but it quickly vanished, replaced by his usual unchanging severity. Tapping on the table in front of him, he said,
"Well, isn't that interesting. Fine then—if the father wasn't a match for me, let's see how much weight his son carries when measured against mine."
"My daughter has been eager to test herself against him too."
"It's been a while since I last saw Arisu. She should be in this year's batch too, right, Chairman Sakayanagi?"
"That's right. But Arisu doesn't yet know that both Ryosuke and Kiyotaka will be enrolling. She's been complaining every day that school is bound to be dull."
"As mischievous as ever."
Saionji Keitaro nodded slightly as memories of the past surfaced.
Indeed, the Saionji and Sakayanagi families had been acquainted for a long time. Since childhood, Sakayanagi Arisu had suffered from a congenital heart condition. The Sakayanagi family had sought treatment far and wide—renowned medical experts, legendary folk healers—none could offer a cure.
Eventually, they heard that the Saionji family was not only influential in economics, politics, and kendo, but also had remarkable, if understated, expertise in medicine. Hoping for a miracle, they brought Arisu to them.
Although her heart disease wasn't completely cured and she still required a cane to walk slowly, her condition had greatly improved compared to the beginning. Over the course of intermittent treatments, the two families grew closer.
"It's getting late. There's still some business I need to attend to at the school. I'll be taking my leave now," said Chairman Sakayanagi, waving to Saionji Keitaro .
"Alright, we'll talk again another day."
Saionji Keitaro escorted him to the entrance, then turned to his butler. "Go fetch Ryosuke."
"Yes, Master." The butler bowed respectfully.
---- TheSaionji'sFamily Dōjō -----
"Hah!"
A young boy, dressed in a deep indigo samurai uniform, swung his wooden katana forward with perfect posture. His short white hair glinted in the light. Though only sixteen, his face held a maturity and resolve far beyond his age. A mask covered the left side of his face, perhaps due to an old injury.
"That's enough for today."
As he prepared to wash up and rest, he heard the butler's voice:
"Young Master, the Master is waiting for you in the study."
"I understand. Thank you, Uncle Matsumoto."
He thought about changing into clean clothes, but reconsidered—if his father had summoned him urgently, he shouldn't keep him waiting.
Hurrying to the study, he knocked. "Father."
"Not bad. You haven't let that 'Sword Saint' title make you complacent. Remember—even the strongest fall to negligence."
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."
Seeing his son's calm and confident demeanor, Keitaro felt increasingly satisfied.
"I didn't call you here to lecture you. Three days from now, you'll be starting at Advanced Nurturing High School."
"Father, from my point of view, high school is more or less the same anywhere. I've already mastered most of what they could teach. Why must I go to Advanced Nurturing?"
"There's no special reason. If I had to say… perhaps you'll encounter a worthy rival there."
"A rival?"
Hearing this, the composed young master of the Saionji's family showed rare interest. For his father to call someone his "rival," the person must be a prodigy as well.
"Ah, you don't need to worry about the details. What I want from you is simple: defeat him. Don't disgrace the Saionji's name."
"I promise not to bring shame upon the Saionji family, myself, or you."
Saionji Keitaro laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, that's the spirit. But it's not just about defeating him. It's also been a while since you've seen that Arisu girl, hasn't it?"
"Well… yes, it's been a while."
Hearing the name of his childhood friend, Saionji Ryosuke showed a rare hint of embarrassment.
"At least you remember. Anyway, enjoy these three years. Once you graduate, you won't have this kind of free time again. And spend time with Arisu—boys should take the initiative."
"I understand. But even if I do, who knows what she's thinking…"
"That's your problem to solve. Your future is your responsibility."
With that, Keitaro left the room.
Watching his father's retreating figure, Ryosuke shook his head and headed back to rest.
Arisu, huh… It's already been two and a half years since we last met. Back then, she wouldn't stop talking about that Ayanokōji guy. Even if I'm supposed to make the first move… tch, forget it. Three days until enrollment, huh? A prestigious, closed-off school and a rumored rival—guess I'll look forward to it.
Advanced Nurturing… Saionji Ryosuke is coming!