Kondo, who was seated at the head of the table, sat with his back exceptionally straight. His notably serious tone unconsciously drew the attention of everyone present to him.
"Some of you might find it strange: The competition in seven days is not a life-and-death battle where not winning means dying, so why all the solemnity?"
As soon as Kondo said this, a small portion of the people present immediately had unnatural expressions.
They looked puzzled and avoided eye contact.
Kondo paused, as if gathering his emotions before speaking again.
"Indeed, our upcoming match with Xuanwu Hall is just an ordinary swordsmanship competition aimed at 'exchanging techniques.' There's no gambling involved, and certainly no lives at stake."
"But—"
With a change in tone, Kondo's voice and facial expression softened.
"A swordsman who competes without the desire to win is not a good swordsman!"
