Chapter 14
Chapter 14 - Heightened Fighting Spirit
After the end of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festivals second semifinal round, Ikki fainted in the waiting room. By the time his cardiac arrest was discovered, the shock and anxiety had spread beyond his inner circle, to the tournament staff and spectators. Many of them seemed to expect the worst outcome. In reality, the tournament staff had to at least consider that possibility, so they revised the schedule for the next day.
Fortunately though, due to the power of Japans greatest doctor, there was no need to worry. Ikki was saved from death.
However, Ikki had still not awoken by the time the final round was scheduled to begin. But was that really a big deal? As long as Ikki was alive, what was waiting a day?
Everyones hearts were united in this.
Kurogane Ikki and Stella Vermillion.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that this 62ndSeven Stars Sword-Art Festival had been the highest level ever.
The two knights who had fought their way to the summit, the finals.
The tournament should not end without seeing the conclusion for oneself.
An attack after the end of the match. Not to mention taking a stray hit after protecting the umpire. With such an unfair end, there was no good excuse to end the festival there.
Therefore, they waited for Ikki to come to the stage of battle.
To this end, everyone offered a hand. The staff ran about apologizing and moving forward an exhibition that had been planned for the last day, the media coordinated special coverage, and the spectators accepted these changes without complaint. All for one young mans sake, countless people gave their all.
And then He came.
The sun had already gone down completely. His clothes were disheveled and he still had a bed head.
Even so, he was there in the ring, ready to face his fight, showing his strong will.
The hopes of the fighters, the desires of the staff, and the feelings of the audience were all the same.
There were no longer any obstacles.
Thus, with many peoples support and good will and the great spirit of the fighters, the final match was ready.
Dawn broke at last, coming from the eastern sky with a first light that seemed to burn white-
And the morning of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festivals final day, which so many had been longing for.
Wow, What a huge crowd. Everyone is so fired up even though its still morning, huh.
It was 9 am. Tomaru Renren, from the Hagun Academy Student Council, had taken the bullet train to the station nearest Wangan Dome, where the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival was taking place. The moment she got off, she found herself both amazed and astonished by the massive congestion, and murmured this complaint.
Everything, from the platform to the ticket gate to the road to the dome, was filled with an uncountable number of people.
Naturally, they all had one goal. The Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival finals.
But with this many people, can they even get inside?
Theres no way they can all fit inside. Theyve even installed monitors outside.
The one who answered Renrens question was the one who had come with her to Osaka, another member of the student council.
It was a large man with a physique like a rugged boulder, Saijou Ikazuchi.
Just like he had pointed out, most of the people were there to watch the fight from outside the venue.
Even though normally a lot of people gathered, the semifinals simply couldnt compare to the finals.
Considering that it was a confrontation between the Rank Knight Crimson Princess, boasting magic power that could be said to be the greatest of mankind, against the Blazer with the worst evaluation of F-Rank, Worst One, who had advanced by continuously defeating one strong opponent after another starting with Seven Stars Sword King, it's even more so.
Moreover, with such an unprecedented turnout, many merchants had gathered to do business as well.
Some sat with their backs to the hedge, guitar in hand, singing songs.
Other performers juggled or did magic tricks.
And then there were the local stalls.
Even though it was but morning, the area around Wangan dome was already festive.
There was another person currently with Renren, the Student Council Vice President, Utakata Misogi, whose face was blue and trying to hold something back from his mouth.
Somehow this large crowd is making me feel rather sick
Are you okay? Vice Pres-?
Im not okay. Im hot. Frazzled. Tired. I cant take it.
Then it would have been better to leave you at school.
Thats no joking matter. Wouldnt I look like an idiot if only I had stayed behind to work while everyone was playing? Lets just hurry and get to the hotel. If we stay in this kind of place, I think my brains will melt out through my ears.
Utakata whined while pulling at the hems of Saijous shirt.
Well, even if ones brain didnt melt, staying much longer would probably lead to heat stroke.
It would be no laughing matter to have spent the two and a half hours to come from Tokyo only to watch the game from a hospital bed.
Even if you say that, with a crowd like this, finding Kanatsenpai will be such a pain-
Nah, thats not true.
As he said that, Saijou pointed at a spot in the crowd.
Everyone, over here~
Amongst the crowd, dressed in mainly short sleeved shirts and shorts, with at most a thin cardigan, was the figure of Kanata Toutokubara, completely clad in a white dress that did not reveal even her fingertips, which could already be said to be a partially suspicious getup.
That was a needless worry, huh.
Kanatsenpai, arent you hot?
Ill be fine if I just endure it~
Endure Why endure through that
Perhaps there was some spiritual reason? It perplexed Renren.
Utakata tilted his head questioningly at his junior, then asked Kanata a question.
Eh? Kanata, whatever happened to Touka?
Though they had without a doubt been traveling with her, the figure of Hagun Academy Student Council President, Touka Toudou, was nowhere to be found.
Since its Toukchan, she probably slipped out for some urgent business that just came up this morning.
Urgent business?
Fufu. Yes. Urgent business.
Though Kanata would not explain the matter further, her bemused expression told them that it was not a serious matter.
Since it seemed that forceful questioning wouldnt be necessary, Utakata closed the matter with a hmm.
Well, she did say that she would come back before the fight, and that we should all watch the finals together.
I see.
But, finals, huh Once, we were wondering what would happen, but it would be good to have a meeting about it. Being surprise attacked after a match, moreover losing by default due to an injury taken while protecting someone else, Kurogane-kun is too pitiable.
That issue is something for the management committee to consider for us. Such a special measure is an unprecedented exception. ...According to the information Toutokubara collected, to make this extension happen, Prime Minister Tsukikage pulled a lot of strings.
The Prime Minister who put us through all that?
...Again, thats a separate matter.
Nonetheless, theres no way they would have delayed the schedule just for one student. It just so happens that the rampage Stella went on that shortened the festival by a day may have been a blessing in disguise... It looks super unfortunate, but kouhai-kun is pretty lucky.
Renren nodded in agreement at this as well.
Then she looked up at Saijou behind her and asked a question in her friendliest classmate voice.
Hey hey, who do you think will win? Saijou-
At this, Saijou put his hand on his chin and contemplated for a moment.
...Both are from our school and are developing their abilities quickly. However, just looking at how they fought during the semifinals, Vermillion has the edge in ability. I cant imagine how to handle that dragons power with just sword techniques. My assessment is that Vermillion will triumph.
With that answer Renren came to an understanding.
Stellas true power was what she pulled out in the semifinals, Noble Art Dragon Spirit.
It was natural for Saijou to come to such a conclusion.
However- Renrens thoughts differed.
Its true that Stellchans true power, the embodiment of a dragon, was amazing. I do think its already beyond what one person has the power to handle; its just that abnormal a power But, its by repeatedly overturning such unreasonable odds that Kurogane-kun came to be standing in the finals ring tonight.
...You think Kurogane will win?
Renren nodded.
I understand because Ive fought him directly. Though Stellchans power surpasses human understanding, Kurogane-kuns skill can also be said to be superhuman, something in the realm of the abnormal. Do you remember? What Kurogane-kun did when he defeated me at the Hagun selection battles?
If Im not mistaken, he sidestepped your supersonic charge Black Bird, then caught you by the nape of your neck and smashed you into the ring.
Thats right. Normally, doing that would get your arm torn off. Despite that, Kurogane-kun countered that power completely and instead diverted it into the ground. That skill is definitely a match for Stellchans violent power.
...Its not that I cant understand your point of view, but your understanding of Vermillion is a little naive. She effortlessly stopped my Crescendo Axes heaviest strike. Because of Dragon Spirit, that brute strength probably rose even more. That offensive power is beyond the domain of things that can be stopped with techniques. I was crushed by it, after all.
Kurogane-kun has the speed to completely dodge that. I saw it myself, Kuroganes speed throwing Stellas figure off her feet!
Thats an illusion. Fights are won by by those who are strong.
What a thoughtless thing to say! Speed is the key to modern wars!
In the end, it seems you just want the opponent you lost to to win.
Youre the one who wants that!
Hnnnng!
Mmmmm-!
Ah okay okay, lets stop it there you two.
Within the heat that only gave rise to a haze, those two held an argument so heated, it gave off sparks.
Unable to just watch, Utakata got between them and tore them apart.
Have your sweltering conversation in a place with air conditioning. If we stand around here any longer, well end up with heat stroke.
Thats right. Then, everyone, lets go to the hotel. Theres even food prepared, so lets continue there.
It seemed Kanata agreed with Utakata.
She immediately took the lead to guide them to the Toutokubara groups hotel and began walking.
Eh? Food? Awesome~ Theres food, Food~
...Apologies. I, of all people, got unusually fired up.
Nah, the lightning god image was quite scorching, so it didnt seem out of place.[1]
!?!?
With a shocked expression, Saijou hardened like a statue and got left behind.
Fuhaha~ Look, the people are like trash!
What the hell are you doing?
A long line of people stretched from the station to Wangan Dome.
Watching from the hotel terrace, Nene Saikyou let out a strange, feigned voice, at which Kurono Shinguuji shot her an incredulous gaze.
Now look here, when you look at a crowd of people from somewhere high, dont you just want to say that? Instinctively.
I do not.
Seriously? Kuu-chan, are you sure youre Japanese?
Is this really something youd involve nationality in?
While grumbling in a sighing voice, Kurono pulled out cigarettes from her suit.
She put one to her lips and lit it before tossing words at Saikyou.
It seems you didnt agree to do commentary for the last day, even though it should be a profitable job.
Well, yeah. Its the finals of my favorite pupil. Wouldnt I want to watch from the front row?
It was only for a week, I want to say, but She did improve considerably.
I was surprised too. I thought Id just try more or less shoving her around. Who would have thought that such a beast would be sleeping.
When I think about it, that huge appetite of hers that doesnt match her constitution must be the influence of the dragons power as well.
As she said that, Kurono glanced at the top of the table fleetingly.
There, stacked on the table, was a mountain comprised of the ruins of what had once been a room service meal.
Farther in, on the bed, the red haired girl who had created the mess Crimson Princess Stella Vermillion was sleeping with her body curled up like a baby.
...Nene. About todays finals, what do you think?
I think itll be a great fight. Since theyre both knights who obtained great power in their own ways, neither should get done in easily. Though it could also become an appropriately high level mudslinging contest.
A mudslinging contest eh.
You know, since theyre lovers and all. Its kind of messy.
If such a pleasant quarrel were to occur, the viewers might just feel relieved.
After responding to Saikyous banter with a dry laugh, Kurono puffed out a breath of smoke.
I dont think thats likely to happen. Especially between these two.
She muttered, though her tone betrayed a tinge of nervousness.
At this, Saikyou also returned a small nod.
True. If something goes wrong, someone might die. Just like in the match between you and me.
Though Saikyou was joking, Kurono could see that her eyes carried the same nervousness.
What she was recalling was the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival of their own generation.
What she clashed with back then were her own feelings.
Back then, she believed she didn't mind dying.
To beat that person, she would even throw away her life.
It was to that extent The girl named Kurono Takizawa had pined.
Saikyou was sure that Kurono thought something similar might happen.
That, with the same feelings as they had held back then, these two might-
Still It seems the one in danger here in the end is still Kuro-bou.
Does Yaksha Princess see Crimson Princess as better?
Yes, after all, I cant picture it. The image of this princess losing, that is.
Saikyou momentarily looked over the sleeping Stella.
As she was deep asleep, all Stella did was make sleeping sounds.
She was saving her strength.
Not even using the energy to open her eyes, she accumulated strength from head to toe.
All so that tonight, she could erupt at the finals.
...
While laying her on the bed, the two had visions of the dragons giant body several times.
At that overwhelming pressure, Kurono couldnt help but gulp.
And so she thought.
Tonight, the one to face this monster will be a single knight.
(Kurogane. What are you thinking now? How are you spending your time?)
Was he, like this girl, accumulating strength?
Perhaps he was waiting eagerly for the finals, unable to sleep from the exhilaration?
Or possibly...
...Either way, in this match, even if we interrupt it, things could get deadly. We cant leave this to some half-hearted knight. If it comes down to it, you and I will stop it Just like Nangou-sensei and Kurogane-sensei did back then.
I know, I know.
Saikyou agreed with Kuronos sentiment without showing distaste on her face.
From the start, in order to focus on the fight and not miss such an important timing, she had turned down the commentary.
She didnt have to be told such a thing.
Saikyou regarded Kurono with a serious expression. Right now, even more important was-
Hey, Kuu-chan.
Hm? What?
This place is a non-smoking room, you know.
...Next time, please warn me before I light up.
Ill use my best discretion.
With a mean grin on her face, Nene smirked at the blushing Kurono.
Stella had stored as much strength as she could in her body.
Her opponent, Kurogane Ikki, was in a training facility owned by the National League near the Wangan Dome.
For the duration of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, this training facility was free for use by contenders.
Ikki was carrying out a mock battle in one of that facilitys rings.
Acting as his opponent was a tall, thin, and handsome person.
It was his friend, Black Sonia Nagi Arisuin.
-Huu.
With a fast attack that whistled through the air, Ikki charged at Arisuin.
In response, Arisuin shifted his weight backwards and took a retreating stance.
Shadow Beast-!
Arisuin threw three copies of his dagger shaped device,Darkness Hermit, at the ground, and left them standing there.
In an instant, they melted into puddle-like shadows on the ring.
From those shadows, a black spray splattered and two giant tigers and a bear flew out of them attacking Ikki.
However, Ikki was not even perturbed by these wild beasts, simply kicking off the floor and charging at the enemies that now stood in his way.
With one stroke he dealt with the shadow tiger snapping at his head, lightly sidestepped the bear trying to claw his head, and cut it at the torso as they passed. Then, with his fastest secret technique, Raikou, he used the weakness in the second tigers offensive stance to overtake its movements and bisect it.
The shadow beasts dispersed into a seemingly harmless black mist.
However, it had never been Arisuins intention to use Shadow Beast to stop Ikkis movement.
It was just a distraction.
The black mist that had dispersed from the crumbled shadow beasts blocked Ikkis field of vision for a moment-so he could to use his shadow jumping technique, Shadow Walk, to jump to Ikkis shadow!
After his machinations went through smoothly, Arisuin moved from his own shadow to Ikkis.
From Ikkis shadow, stretching out behind him thanks to the lights in the ring, he sprung out, thinking (Ive got you!).
From this position, facing Ikkis back, he flourishedDarkness Hermitto strike at Ikkis neck.
However, in that instant-
!!!
Even sooner than Arisuin could strike at Ikkis neck, the jet black tip of Ikkis device,Intetsu, appeared from under Ikkis arm, stopping just at Arisuins brow.
Without facing Arisuin, Ikki had completely read the plan to flank him, and counterattacked instead.
!!!
Arisuin promptly used the knife hed been striking down with to guard.
By doing so he narrowly avoided being skewered, in that one beat, his action was stopped.
What Ikki Kurogane just took advantage of had been a fatal weakness.
-Gah, ha!
The thud of a heavy strike reverberated throughout the ring.
It was the sound of Ikkis kick striking the pit of Arisuins stomach.
The impact of the kick to the stomach sent Arisuin flying three meters, where he rolled out of the ring and started coughing painfully.
Cough! Cough! H-harsh! To kick a maiden in the stomach is incredibly unchivalrous.
Er, Sorry?
Why do you seem so unsure?
Because I am unsure
Arisuin couldnt help but smile at Ikkis answer, even as he continued to cough.
Haha, well, jokes aside Despite sleeping for an entire day, your body doesnt seem sleepy at all. Ikki. Youve given me some peace of mind.
Its all because you came with me for some warming up, Alice.
While expressing thanks, Ikki loweredIntetsu.
After all, Arisuin was lying on his side on the floor and not in any condition to fight.
In the end, this mock battle had just been to warm up Ikki after hed slept for a day.
There was no need to deal a finishing blow.
Thus, a petite girl rushed over with small steps to the two who had stopped fighting.
With neat, short, silver hair, the girl was Ikki Kuroganes younger sister, Shizuku Kurogane.
As soon as she arrived at Ikkis side, she gave her honest opinion while looking slightly astonished.
Isnt that enough? Tonight is the final and youre still here holding a mock battle. Youre being too unreasonable.
Haha, sorry. But Ive been sleeping the whole time, so Im checking the condition of my body.
Well, I know how you feel, but if you dont restrain yourself, your condition will only worsen. Look at how much sweat youve worked up Eh?
Shizuku unexpectedly used a towel to wipe the sweat that had collected on Ikkis face, but her expression hardened.
That was because the sweat that hed shed was as cold as a winter stream.
Onii-sama, this is
...Ive been exposed, huh.
With a bitter smile, Ikki received the towel from Shizuku.
This sweat isnt borne of exhaustion. Its from fear Of fighting with Stella, that is.
Ikki grumbled while continuing to mop up cold sweat.
Right, this wasnt sweat from exercise.
Nervousness, anxiety, weakness it was something that came from an emotions, that could only be described as chills.
It was because he was scared.
Scared of Crimson Princess Stella Vermillion.
But that was a matter of course.
The ease she had shown in her first irregular match against Icy Scorn Mikoto Tsuruya and others had demonstrated a power up within Ikkis expectations, but the power she showed in the semifinals far exceeded his imagination.
She is already different from the girl I fought before. Up until now, she had only been fighting with the dragons breath. But now, she has realized what she really is. Moreover, she now possesses the ability to freely control the power of the dragon that burned her as a child. She is not just a flame user anymore. Skill, power, tactics She is the incarnation of the prideful, all-powerful monster with the strength to force any enemy to yield.
And tonight, he would have to face that monster himself.
Whats more, this time, Stella now had even more information on the man named Ikki Kurogane.
When he had beat her in the past, he had used her lack of knowledge to launch a surprise attack. She would not let that happen again.
A veteran of losing battles. Stella knew about Ikki Kuroganes struggles better than anyone else.
In this final, there was definitely no room for slack in Stellas heart.
With such a Stella as an opponent, in the ring where there was nowhere to run or hide, the only option was to conquer her head on.
Because of that, I cannot waste even a minute, no, a second.
Sharper by the minute and stronger by the second.
He would sharpen himself up until the last moment before entering the ring.
That is my best condition.
Onii-sama
Shizuku responded to her brothers unusually stiff expression with an uneasy voice. At that moment-
Oi~ I did it!
A call in a familiar kansai dialect hit everyone present.
Upon looking at the entrance to the room they were talking in-
Ara, its you guys.
Moroboshi-san! And Toudou-san too! You came for us!
In front of the open fire door stood the one Ikki had defeated in the first round of the tournament, Seven Stars Sword King Yuudai Moroboshi, and the one he had eliminated in Haguns selection tournament finals, Raikiri Touka Toudou.
Shizuku let her bewilderment at these unexpected visitors seep onto her face.
Why are you guys here...?
Touka answered while happily grinning towards somewhere else.
This morning we got mail from Ikki saying he wanted our help with training.
From Onii-sama?
Exactly. Well, I was free anyway. Incidentally At the hotel, I called over some of the other losers to come.
As he said so, Moroboshi pointed at the fire door behind him with his thumb.
Whos a loser? Youve said a little too much, Boshi!
Well, in reality, thats exactly what we are.
Gahaha. True, True.Even if you try to say it nicely now, there's nothing you can do
We didnt even participate in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, so we didnt lose!
...Even though you guys got beat up by two people at the training camp?
Behind the two, faces that anyone would recognize streamed in.
Moroboshi's fellow representatives from Bukyoku academy, Eye of Heaven Byakuya Jougasaki and Demon Flame Momiji Asagi.
Making the entrance seem small just by stepping his huge build through was Rokuzon Academy's Panzer Grizzly Renji Kaga.
And finally, two original representatives from Hagun who had withdrawn from the festival, Kikyou Hagure and Botan Hagure.
Ikki's eyes opened wide in surprise at their entrance.
Did, did all of you came for my sake? Hagure-senpai and everyone else too?
Hehe. Well we arrived early and had nothing to do.
...During the training camp, you taught us, so wed like to return the favor.
Though were not sure how useful the ones who were KOd the quickest will be.
Actually, we were also called upon by Sensei. It was because that procedure looked to have taken a lot of your strength, and it seems to be as bad as she thought. ...But the people here are of the same calibre as those who entered the tournament. I think we'll be just right as practice opponents.
Ikki shook his head at Moroboshis words.
Dont even mention things like being just right! Everyone, thank you so much!
Good, good. All of us wanted to try going up against the rumored Worst One once as well.
So, what do we do? Before we came here, we also had some mock battles. Should we take a break?
No.
Ikki refused Toukas consideration with a single word and once again took upIntetsu.
Then, he faced everyone with eyes burning with fighting spirit.
Immediately though Please!
His passion instantly spread to everyone.
Yessir!!!
As if responding to Ikkis spirit, everyone elses devices manifested.
Guhaa! Th- This is! Poison? Assassination? My Twilight Crusaders! Such an underhanded method!
Ojou-sama is saying This is so bitter!
If bitter is not acceptable, it wouldve been better not to request coffee.
They were in a cafe slightly out of the way of the long line to the venue.
At the terrace seats, Sara Bloodlily shot an astonished look at Rinna Kazamatsuri, who had coffee dripping from the corners of her mouth.
The one who wiped Rinnas mouth with a handkerchief was her attendant, Charlotte Cord.
Together with the three girls at their table was one other person.
He was an elderly man, dressed stylishly in a suit.
It was Japans Prime Minister, Chairman of the school the girls attended, Akatsuki Academys Bakuga Tsukikage.
Even so, Sarkuns Color of Magic is truly convenient. Even with so many people around, nobody can see us. Ive always wanted such a convenient power.
Even without a special power, something similar can be done.
Is that so?
Ikki did it.
...That only makes it feel more impossible.
Tsukikages wrinkled face twisted into a bitter grin.
Sorry, Prime Minister. Could you pass the sugar pot?
Yeah, here.
Responding to Charlottes request, he slid the sugar pot near his hand toward Rinna.
Rinna blushed shyly at this.
Ah, thank you, Oji-sama
While expressing her thanks with a sincere tone, she drew the sugar pot towards using her small hands.
However, Rinnas movement stopped there.
Without even putting sugar in her coffee, leaving her gaze on the sugar pot in her hands-
...Sorry.
In a single word, she remorsefully apologized to Tsukikage.
What are you apologizing for?
Every one of us ended up losing
Ah, that.
Tsukikage understood Rinnas reason for apologizing.
To begin with, Akatsuki Academy was a group of mercenaries gathered via the connections of Tsukikage through one of Rebellion's Numbers, his old friend Kouzou Kazamatsuri, in order to sever the connection between Japan and those who utilize the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, the League of Knights.
However, they had been completely eliminated by Hagun Academys Worst One and Crimson Princess.
Remorseful over being unable to carry out the duty they had been entrusted with, Rinna had said that.
However, Tsukikage hadn't placed any blame upon Rinna.
He put his hand on her apologetically drooping head.
"Don't worry about it. You all did well. I understand that perfectly."
"But..."
"Giving up easily does not befit a politician. If Akatsuki fails, then I will think of a different direction to go in... At that time, if I need you, will you lend me your power again?"
While stroking Rinna's head gently, he asked her that.
Rinna finally raised her head at this, and with a smile like blooming flowers nodded "Yes!"
-It was precisely 'that time.'
"...She's here."
Sara mumbled curtly while focused on the line of people.
Everyone gathered at the table responded to her voice by following her gaze.
There, in the dense crowd without a single gap in it, without pushing her way through, calmly weaving through the crowd with steps as if walking across an empty field, was a girl.
While her long, pure white hair swayed, she stepped directly to the four people who should have been hidden by Color of Magic.
Nonetheless the four of them raised no suspicion toward that.
For her, it was only natural.
That she could see them even when they shouldve been invisible.
Someone who could pass through a crowd without any difficulty.
Additionally, while doing so, she didnt alert a single person she crossed paths with.
Today, the person they had come to wait for-
Its been a while, hasnt it. Sara. Rinna. Char. And also Tsukikage-sensei too.
The strongest swordsman in the world, Twin-Wings Edelweiss.
Thank you for waiting. Here is your blend coffee.
Its for her.
Thank you.
While expressing her gratitude with a friendly smile, Edelweiss pulled the sugar pot to herself.
Then she looked at Tsukikage.
Thank you for today. For listening to my sudden selfish request.
She lowered her head slightly.
The selfish reason she mentioned was the reason she was here today.
Last night, Edelweiss had contacted Tsukikage.
...Wanting to watch the final of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival.
Unexpected, that you would be interested in the battle of someone who is just a student, Ede.
Perhaps theres some relationship we dont know about.
Fufu, if I remember correctly, when we carried out Operation Beowulf on Hagun Academy, the one who faced Another One was Brynhildr.
Be, Beo?
Sara offered an advice to Edelweiss, who tilted her head and was making a bewildered face.
Dont think about it too much. Its just Rinnas usual sickness.
Ojou-sama is saying When we made the attack on Hagun Academy, she fought Another One.
A, Ah. So thats what it was. Yes, its exactly as shes saying.
Edelweiss confirmed as she scooped up a spoonful of sugar from the sugar pot.
I saw the semifinals on TV. It surprised me to see Ouma lose in such a one-sided fashion, but even more than that, seeing Amane in such a helpless state was beyond my expectations.
Amanes childhood and the attachment he had to Ikki because of it.
Edelweiss had known about that.
Because of that, Amanes existence was an obstacle blocking Ikkis destiny.
Thats what shed thought. -However,
He took no notice of him.
Hed faced the defeat Amane had thrust at him head on and crushed it for all to see.
...Hes an amazing young man. Truly.
Thats why you want to watch the finals in person?
Edelweiss nodded at Tsukikages question while adding yet another spoonful of sugar to her coffee.
For Crimson Princess it is natural, but Another One as well He is climbing onto our stage. I decided that when I saw he had the willpower to undergo extraordinary training and obtain the physical prowess needed to defy fate that he showed at the semifinals. Thus even I cannot ignore that. Another exciting moment will happen soon. I might cross swords with him again.
...
More importantly Another party with the same thoughts as mine came here today in order to overcome the menace of the future, we are willing to be audacious.
Eh?
When he heard those disquieting words, Tsukikage lifted his gaze from her hands, which were busy scooping a third spoonful of sugar.
Edelweiss was looking at the crowd instead of Tsukikage.
-Her eyes glinted sharply.
Following that dangerous gaze, Tsukikage also noticed.
In the crowd, there was a man looking at them astutely through a visor.
Thats Americas!
Its not just him. At this place Agents from various factions have already gathered.
Edelweiss words made Tsukikage recall a certain scene in his mind.
A red and black memory that hed seen.
Tokyo, engulfed in flames.
The permeating stench of protein being scorched and human fat that stuck to the skin
With fists shaking from fear and anger, Tsukikage informed Edelweiss.
Front row box seats have been prepared.
Thank you very much.
Edelweiss returned a slight bow and put her coffee, which she had just added a fourth spoon of sugar to, to her mouth.
Yum.
If you cant handle bitter, then it would be better to not order stuff like coffee.
(Too, too strong!)
Bukyoku Academys third year and finalist at last years Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, Momiji Asagi, was struck with admiration at the physical prowess of the man she was crossing blades with.
As the disciple of God of War Torajirou Nangou, she had confidence in her blade.
However, that was exactly why she couldnt help but understand the magnitude of the difference between herself and the warrior in front of her, Another One Ikki Kurogane.
Hah!
...!
Countless clashes later, a particularly loud strike rang out and Momiji was sent flying backwards.
Her vision went blurry. There, at the edge of the ring, Momiji fell down and exhaled roughly before looking at the trio.
The Hagure sisters and Jougasaki, who had already carried out mock battles with Ikki.
Ikki had kicked the three around in front of Momiji.
He hadnt even been scratched.
If this went on, she too would-
Asagi! Show your determination!
Enmaku...!
Responding to Moroboshis encouragement, Momiji deployed a wall of fire in front of her.
Frustrating though it might be, she couldnt compete with swordsmanship.
She would just have to show her determination by fighting with magic.
Thus she switched over. However-
Seya!!!
Her determination was short lived as Ikki cut through her wall with a single shout and a slash.
From an overhead stance, Ikki had swungIntetsudown, and by sheer force, blasted away the approaching Enmaku.
And at the same time, -Momijis spirit as well.
Having cleared Enmaku away, Ikkis eyes shone like a wet blade.
Momijis blood ran cold seeing this.
Head and chest, mind and body, would be cut apart.
Ikki wasnt foolish enough to waste that moment.
He closed to space between them now that there was no obstacle-
Fast.
Though shed frozen for only an instant, Momiji lost her chance to respond.
Clash was now inevitable. No, rather, if there was an ability that could still allow her to evade, it would be the Trackless Step Master Nangou had taught her.
(Even if I were to try to enter his blind spot... he doesnt even have one!)
Standing against Ikki, Momiji came to a realization.
Ikkis discernment was just like her friend Moroboshis Happou Nirami[2], in that it could perceive the entirety of the arena, not overlooking a single movement from the enemy. Her own Trackless Step would not be precise enough to outmaneuver the owner of those eyes.
In that case... there was nothing to do but intercept him with her sword.
Despite the knot in her stomach, Momiji clad her device,Hibachi, in flame.
One hit would be enough.
If she just grazed him,Hibachis flames would capture Ikkis whole body like a snake.
(Just one stroke!?)
However, she was only eager for an instant.
She had lost sight of Ikki Kurogane.
Crap.
Momiji realized in an instant that it was due to Trackless Step.
Aku-
But by that point, it was already over.
Ikki had passed by Momijis side and cut her torso with his device in illusionary form.
That attack had, without a doubt, been a fatal wound, cutting through her stomach all the way to her spine, causing an appropriate amount of strength to drain out of Momiji as a magical red light- Blood Light, which dispersed into the air.
One moment later, Momijis body collapsed onto the ground.
Ha, ah, !
Sudden fatigue hit her as she was gouged of strength appropriately for an illusionary fatal wound.
Despite also feeling a burning pain in her abdomen, Momiji somehow managed to raise her head. Then-
Thank you!
Ikki bowed his head deeply and thanked Momiji.
Just as he had done earlier with the other three.
Aha, youre welcome I dont feel like I was very useful though.
Thats not-
Armor Piercing Bullet-!!!
Hu-???
A deep voice like a cannons roar suddenly interrupted their conversation.
While Ikki was facing Momiji, an attack came from directly behind him, aiming for the back of his head- It was Panzer Grizzly Renji Kagas iron palm strike.
It was a most unexpected, barbaric surprise attack for a mock battle.
Momiji was petrified at this. However-
Ikkis expression didnt even waver.
Momiji saw it during that moment.
-True at all.
After completing his statement towards Momiji, without even an ounce of confusion, Ikki moved half his body, almost casually, and stopped Kagas palm strike with his own palms.
His body was nearly twice Ikkis size.
The palm strike from the man who boasted weight four times that of Ikkis, didnt even move him a bit.
-Impossible.
There was a trick to this impossible feat.
That trick was in Ikkis feet.
As he received the blow, the ground below Ikkis feet sank noticeably, cracking and being crushed.
Witnessing that, Kaga understood in an instant.
-He had redistributed the force.
By moving his whole body and perfectly shifting his center of gravity, Ikki had received the blow and released it into the ground through his legs without having it reverberate in his body at all.
Just like a lightning rod.
After receiving the surprise attack, Ikki matched the movement of Kagas attempt at retreating and pushed him back using the arm hed received the hit with.
In that instant where he shifted his weight back, more force had been added from the front.
With his own weight being so heavy, Kaga was bent backwards greatly-
In that instant,Intetsucut open his robe.
Gu, Nuu!
Kagas great body collapsed at the knees and he hit the floor.
Kagas great body collapsed at the knees and he hit the floor.
Towards that Kag
Ah, you! What were you thinking, attacking so suddenly?!
Shizuku shouted angrily.
After all, it was an unthinkable thing.
He had launched a surprise attack on a fighter who was set to fight that same day, even if it was in Illusionary form.
Ikki himself was far calmer.
Its fine, Shizuku.
O, Onii-sama!?
Then, of all things-
Kagsan. Thank you very much.
He thanked Kaga as he had Momiji and the others.
For a moment, Kaga stared in puzzlement at this expression, then broke into a broad smile.
Gah, hahahaha! On top of not having any weak points, you dont even have a single complaint about a surprise attack, eh. Even though you have a girly mug if you look at it right Being combat ready at all times. It looks like you know that well.
Knights were not sportsmen.
Therefore, they had to maintain high concentration outside of matches as well.
Even when they are walking, sleeping, or eating, they must always keep their senses sharp.
They cant afford to be careless.
If one became used to slacking off, they would surely fail when it matters.
Sometimes, the flow of battle goes to the one who can transition quickly.
Going about it in small steps is out of the question.
This was all the more true against an opponent whod easily overwhelmed Ouma, whom he had been so powerless against.
That was why Kaga decided to attack in the moment when Ikki was preoccupied with Momiji.
However-
(Ive been preaching to the choir, at most)
To this man, it was a pointless warning.
At the same time Kaga realized that, he came to believe it.
Youll win! You will!
Kaga thumped Ikkis chest with his fist as he insisted on this.
Stella was certainly a formidable enemy. Her attack power was nothing normal.
However, Ikki knew how to use and stop force.
His special skills shouldnt be outdone by her attack power.
Kaga believed this based on what hed witnessed.
Ikki smiled at the encouragement.
Then, I shall be your next opponent.
...!
Ikkis expression stiffened as a wave of numbness ran through his neck.
When he turned his head, he saw a girl climbing slowly into the ring with a katana in a black sheath in her hands, Raikiri Touka Toudou.
The opponent Ikki had defeated at the finals of Haguns selection tournament.
Though their battle had consisted of a single stroke, her strength was vivid in Ikkis memory.
She had been in the top 4 last year, falling behind Byakuya and Momiji, but the impression on Ikkis skin was betraying that fact.
No doubt she was the best of the members that Moroboshi had assembled.
She was a difficult opponent to face with no abilities.
What will you do? Including Arisuin-kun, youve fought 5 consecutive battles. Will you take a quick break?
No, dont worry about that.
His fighting spirit was overflowing.
Ikki wiped away the sweat from his hands and renewed his grip onIntetsu.
Please dont hold back!
He raised his sword to point at Touka.
In the instant Ikki raised his sword, Raikiri began to move. From ten meters away, she unsheathedNarukamiand fired a crescent slash formed of lightning towards Ikki.
The golden lightning charged at Ikki like a bird with wings spread open.
It was the same long ranged attack she had used against Lorelei, the Noble Art Raiou.
However, while it was a quick opening strike, it was made from a considerable distance.
Far from distressing Ikki at all, he immediately took an evasive maneuver.
Namely, he took a big sidestep to the right.
It was a style of moving that hed learned from Twin-Wings using his Blade Steal. That was how he managed to evade so easily at high speed as soon as he raised his heel.
Truthfully, it didnt pose a threat to him.
However, the moment Ikki dodged the first attack, Touka launched a follow-up Raiou right at him.
The technique he had just dodged so easily was launched again.
Of course, that one didnt reach Ikki either.
With a leap in the opposite direction, Ikki evaded that as well.
As expected, it didnt even graze him.
Even so, Touka fired a third Raiou.
Was she just being stubborn?
Of course not.
Touka had a reason for her actions
(This is!)
As expected of Toudou. After watching his match with me, she has recognized his weak point.
Murmuring this with a spirit of admiration was Moroboshi, who was watching their battle from the sidelines.
Onii-samas weak point?
Well, more accurately, its a flaw in that technique. Its a technique hes been using since his match with me, a technique he took from Twin-Wings using Blade Steal where he uses all of the muscles in his body simultaneously to accelerate rapidly to top speed. Most people cannot follow such acceleration with their eyes. That being said, constantly moving at full speed is
Ah
Once said, Shizuku realized as well.
Since earlier, Touka had been unleashing Raiou left and right in order to force Ikki to dodge in different directions constantly.
I get it. When moving at full speed constantly, its difficult to make sudden stops and turns. All that switching makes puts excessive strain on his lower body. Dodging will slowly become more difficult, and eventually hell get caught.
Moroboshis prediction was coming true up in the ring.
While Ikki had avoided the first two by a good margin, that margin started shrinking, and the amount of near misses began to rise.
Ikki should also understand Toukas intention, though. If he stays on the defensive, hell just remain pinned down from long range.
Ikki started to change his movements, just as Moroboshi predicted.
He stopped his sideways evasion, faced the scattered Raiou strikes aimed at him, and started running.
Just as he was about to take a direct hit, he dropped to the ground like a crawling animal to get past the Raiou.
Wow..!
Hes doing the unthinkable as usual. Passing through a gap like that!
Its possible because its Onii-sama!
Once he slipped through that, he was in range to cross swords.
It was close range.
Having closed the range so much, Ikki could now launch attacks as well.
Both of them moved so quickly that only the trails left by their swords were visible.
Touka fought back well, but no longer had any opportunity to resheathe her blade.
And when Touka is unable to sheathe her blade, she cannot bring out the strongest close range noble art she boasts, Raikiri.
(This is good!)
Ikki thought this while carrying out an orthodox Raikiri countermeasure.
Ikki understood the power of Raikiri from personal experience.
Only by using Ittou Rasetsu to put his all into one daring strike was he able to overcome Raikiri before.
Since he was preparing for a match with Stella, he would be unable to use such abilities. In order to beat Touka, he had to first ensure that she could not use Raikiri.
If it was used on him, he would lose right then and there.
Thus in that manner, he would pressure her with swordplay and suppress Raikiri.
(Ive got this! My swing speed is faster!)
Though Toukas attacks were sharp as well, they were a far cry from Ikkis, which mirrored those of Twin-Wings.
As long as it didnt come to a sword lock, he shouldnt have to worry about being shocked either.
(At this rate, I can overwhelm her!)
Ikki made up his mind. He shifted forward again and put his power into the sword.
Then, suddenly, he struck out like a flying swallow and forced ToukasNarukamito the side.
(Alright, shes off balance!)
After exchanging blows with Touka, he had finished measuring the speed of her swings.
With her sword pushed to such a position, she would not be able to block his strike.
Next, Ikki would-
(Ive got her here! Its decided!)
Believing so, Ikki struck forward again-
Rather, he tried to.
Immediately after, a sharp numbness ran up his neck.
It was sixth sense hed honed by toeing the line between life and death so many times warning him.
At this warning, Ikki's body ignored his previous assumption and moved- Touka's sword had moved faster than Ikki's expectation and, just barely, had managed to return to defend.
(Thats crazy!)
Based on Toukas swing speed, the speed of that counter was impossible.
Ikki gulped in astonishment.
What on earth was that?
Ikki thought about the unexpected counterattack.
However, Touka wasnt about to wait around for Ikki to think.
NarukamiandIntetsuclashed once again.
From the contact point, Touka channeled an electrical attack into Ikki.
...Ah!
Zap! Sparks crackled betweenNarukamiandIntetsuas electricity ran through Ikki.
Though his skin wasnt burned thanks to Illusionary form, receiving a shock made his muscles spasm intensely and cry out in pain.
In the end, his movements were stopped instantly.
Touka took aim at this opportunity-!
She raisedNarukamioverhead nimbly, and struck down at Ikki.
However, Ikki had baited that attack out.
(She's flustered!)
Just as Touka began her strike, Ikki steeled his writhing body.
Using the full body control he had cultivated, he took control of his heart and forcibly restored function to his peripheral nervous system.
Recovering from the shock in that instant, Ikki avoided the strike towards his head with the smallest possible sidestep.
Thinking that the shock had immobilized him, his opponent had gone for a finishing blow.
It was a move made after seeing through Touka's thoughts, outplaying her thoroughly.
That was Ikki's chance-or it should have been.
"Ku!?!?"
Once again, Ikki's predictions were overturned by Touka's blade.
This time, having sidesteppedNarukami, Ikki did not need to lock swords with Touka, which prevented her from using the same move again. Their close range battle continued in this manner.
Ikki would have to rethink his close range tactics from square one.
Despite being able to clearly surpass her swing speed, he could not land a decisive blow on Touka.
Moreover, Ikki was slowly starting to fall behind.
The cause must be
(This switching around!)
Ikki saw it in her movements while being pressured.
Toukas blade would strike out with the sharpness of the legendary sword technique Swallow Counter, then return with unnatural speed, leaving a trail like a flash of lightning.
Squeezed into the moments between blows, these strikes threw off Ikkis rhythm.
This was the technique Touka Toudou had polished in order to win at this years tournament. By creating a special magnetic field around her, she could use electromagnetic attraction and repulsion to move her sword at speeds exceeding the limits of her body. It was her Noble Art, Inazuma, devised as a counter to Yuudai Moroboshis superhuman technique, Houkiboshi.
The burden on the wrist made it impossible to use it haphazardly, but by occasionally mixing it in while trading blows, she could interrupt her opponents rhythm. Once their rhythm was interrupted, forcing them back was simple!
Aha!
Ku!
Touka lunged at Ikkis chest.
In order to avoid the blow, Ikki threw himself backwards, ending up outside of engagement range.
He escaped with his tail between his legs.
Onii-sama!
Ikki had been forced out of his comfortable range.
Shizuku realized this and let her worry show, while on the side Moroboshis expression hardened.
It was only natural. Ikki knew well the close range superiority of Twin-Wings' sword, which he had learned. That being said, someone had pushed it back.
(This girl is... powerful. She cant be compared to herself from last year.)
Not intending to let Ikki get away, Touka stayed hot on his heels, keeping up the pursuit.
(Kurogane-kun. Your sword sword skills are certainly amazing. When I saw your match with Moroboshi-san on TV, I got goosebumps. Your techniques dont even seem human. However!)
That much was expected of Blazers.
It was incredible that Ikki had gotten this far on physical skill alone.
However, that was a product of Ikkis circumstances, having not been blessed in terms of Blazer power.
Touka and other Blazers hadnt needed such single minded focus on martial artistry in order to reach this point.
If they simply used their magic power along with their abilities, then surpassing an ordinary person was no big deal.
His skill alone would not be enough.
With sword techniques that merely surpassed average people...
(Forget Stellsan, he cant even handle me!)
Gah!?
In response to Toukas fierce attack, Ikki stayed on the defensive.
Beyond avoiding clashing, Ikki was forced to constantly retreat.
In the end, that turned out badly for him.
Ah!?!
Suddenly, while jumping away, Ikkis balance wavered.
What had happened?
The answer was under his feet.
Shizuku and the other spectators looked on with dismay.
(Thats what was left behind when he took Kagsans attack!)
(No way! His foot got caught in the cracked part of the ring! An attack is coming, Ikki!)
(...No, this is-)
Haaaaaaaaaaah!!!
As Arisuin expected, Touka took the opportunity and attacked with all her spirit and might.
Having caught his foot in the broken ring, Ikkis balance was off and he was not able to defend. However, with a dull Gagi! the two returned to having their swords locked.
Of course, Touka followed that with a lightning blast.
Bzzt!
With a soft bursting sound accompanied by sparks, Ikkis right arm and upper body snapped back from the shock. Touka saw a decisive opening.
(This is it!)
Touka decided to unleash her trump card.
Touka had already seen Ikkis resilience towards electrocution earlier.
A mere slash would simply be dodged. However, even if he were to dodge Raikiri, her supersonic blade would hit Ikki with a blast through the air.
At close range, the damage from receiving that would be able to take down any single human.
There was no reason to hesitate.
Believing this, Touka returnedNarukamito its scabbard.
Eh!?!?
To be more accurate, she tried to.
However, she was unable to.
Why? Well, the reason was inNarukamis scabbard.
Right at the opening of the scabbard and the tip of the sword, preventing the sword from returning to the scabbard, was a small chip from the broken ring!
In that moment, Touka realized that she had been trapped.
Ikkis foot had not gotten caught on the broken part of the ring.
In order to kick up a shard from the ring, he had stuck his foot in a crack. Then, while he was bending back due to the electric shock, he launched the shard into the gap betweenNarukamiand its scabbard.
This prevented the resheathing of the sword, leaving Touka defenseless.
Ka, H
In that instant, Ikki finished recovering from the shock and cut Touka at the throat.
After receiving such a fatal wound, Touka felt that she was about to lose her consciousness and collapse.
However, with sheer force of will, she managed to stay on one knee and addressed the victorious Ikki.
To think that Raikiri would be defeated in such a manner
Its a surprise attack that will only ever work once, though.
Touka smiled bitterly.
Using a shard from the ring to block her scabbard was definitely a surprise. She wouldnt let it happen again.
However, reading her intent to use Raikiri and then using the damage to the ring was nothing short of creative.
Even during their fierce sword fight, hed had the ability to nonchalantly lead her to a predetermined location.
Most impressively, he had completely deceived her ability to directly read intentions from biological signals in order to get his plan past her, taking decisive action without letting her realize anything.
Without a doubt, that was the power of Ikkis experience.
Ikkis strength definitely consisted of more than just swordplay.
He had widened her view. He was constantly thinking about the best way to win.
(Ive been thinking only about sword techniques this whole time.)
Amazing. Even though I came to help you train, I ended up learning from you instead.
Learning from me? Im only fighting this way because I cant afford to reveal my hand Toudou-san. Thank you for having this match with me.
Oh, dont men-
Alright, alright. Its very Japanese of you to be throwing thanks around, but face me, Ikki.
Something hard prodded Ikki in the back with an audible thunk.
It was Moroboshis device,Torou.
That was an interesting path to victory you took, though Im not surprised. After all, you turned the tables on me in similar fashion, didnt you?
Ikki turned his attention from Touka to Moroboshi and nodded slightly.
That I did. You and I have a similarly sneaky way of thinking.
Haha. Of course. Im a merchant from Naniwa.
Even while he laughed deeply at Ikkis jesting, Moroboshi flippedTorouaround, pointing its tip at Ikki.
I will be the last. Since you have a match today, I will not use Tiger Bite, hehe. Ill tire you out in a good way. Ill take this opportunity to pay you back for the first round. Are you ready?
Moroboshi wore a boorish grin on his face.
However, even as he played with his expression and words, the fire in his eyes was honest.
Even while feeling thankful for the warm feelings Ikki saw flickering in Moroboshis eyes, he raised his sword.
Lets do this.
It was time for a mock battle with Moroboshi. The beginning proved much calmer than his battle with Touka.
It was natural, as Ikki and Moroboshi were knights with similar styles at heart.
He wouldnt engage in long range combat with magic the way Touka had.
Basically, until he entered spear range, he wouldnt attack.
(At least, thats what Id like to think, but he seems like he might throw his spear.)
Even though Moroboshi hadnt entered spear range, Ikki could not let his guard down at all.
While paying meticulous attention, Ikki circled around Moroboshi.
All that time, Moroboshis gaze never left Ikki.
Torou, which had been lowered, tracked Ikkis heart with its tip.
(Facing him again, the pressure really is incredible.)
There was no point at which he could break into Moroboshis range.
(I dont think I can use speed to disturb his zone like I did in the tournaments first round.)
Ikki reasoned this out.
He was referring to how close his victory against Moroboshi in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival had been.
That victory had been less through true power and more about a surprise attack. Moroboshi hadnt known enough about Ikki, which let Ikki get a major cut in on him before his eyes had gotten used to Ikkis speed.
The bleeding from that cut had lowered his oxygen circulation. With his eyesight weakened by that, Moroboshi had been unable to follow Ikkis sudden acceleration.
However, Moroboshi was different now.
He was in perfect condition, and moreover, he now knew about Ikkis use of Twin-Wings' style.
Relying on speed to attack such an opponent was dangerous.
(However-)
Right, even so, in the end, it was the same as in his match with Touka.
Dangerous or not, Ikki did not have many options to choose from.
He had his own fighting distance. Take the battle to the range of a sword, and cut them down.
Besides that, he had no other way of fighting.
That said
(Hes scary.)
Moroboshis pressure was certainly strong.
However, if he flinched from just this, he would never be able to approach Stella.
If there was no hope of victory given by his opponent,
(I must go, without fear!)
Ikki steeled his heart and accelerated, running up to Moroboshi.
In response, Moroboshi took a deep breath.
...!
As Ikki stepped into his spears range, Moroboshi unleashed three lethal thrusts towards him in the blink of an eye.
It was Moroboshis high speed strike, Sanrensei.
Ikki took them on with lightning-like slashes, which left only afterimages in his vision.
The downpour of steel was like that of falling stars.
He pushed forward, trying to cut through, but
(This is!)
Try as he might, he could not advance.
Countless Sanrensei strikes rained down in a flurry.
The speed and density of the strikes were beyond comparing with those in the previous match.
Even using Twin-Wings' technique, he could just barely repel the strikes.
Are you surprised? Kurogane.
...!
During the tournament, I was using Sanrensei as bait for Tiger Bite. You prepared to enter my range by depending on your speed. However, if I dont mix in Houkiboshi, dont use Tiger Bite, and focus on speed, even I am capable of this much. If you can get through, then show me!
Ku
His voice was full of confidence.
He was by no means overestimating his own ability.
Slipping through Moroboshis thrusts would be no easy matter.
(There are no gaps during which I could recover. This is not like Sanrensei so much as it is a meteor shower.)
The downpour of steel like a falling star had no gaps.
Put simply, stepping into range would be impossible.
That being the case, Ikki used a technique.
It was his technique where he moved left and right at a high pace, generating afterimages to deceive his foe.
Fourth Secret Sword- Shinkirou. It was the technique that had caused Moroboshi grief during the tournament.
With this, Ikki would press Moroboshi to choose between-
Dont underestimate me!
!?
Ikkis shallow plan was crushed in an instant.
Ikki used Shinkirou to send an afterimage right while he moved to the left, but in that instant, Torou bent with deceptive agility, adjusting its trajectory to follow the real Ikki.
Ikki managed to turn the attack with a hairs breadth of space.
Oraaa!!!
Ku, oof!
Moroboshi used all his strength to strike atIntetsuwhen Ikki blocked, sending Ikkis body flying to the edge of the ring.
Moroboshi then smiled daringly at Ikki, who just managed to break the fall.
If you try to create illusions, Ill have my spear in you in an instant. I already know the movements you use to set up that technique. Dont think you can get the same move past a first class fighter like me again. Thats naive of you.
...Eh? Didnt it work twice, Botan-chan?
Yeah, thats why he lost in the first round.
So hes second-rate.
Sh-shut up! Onlookers stay quiet!
Moroboshi objected to their disruption.
Even then, he remained vigilant towards Ikki.
It seemed obvious that he would; Ikki was grasping his sword strongly as if to say it wouldnt be over after just that.
(I still have a way to get out of spear range!)
Ikki rushed at Moroboshi for the second time.
Youre incorrigible! That said, even if youre caught, this is your only way, huh!
Moroboshi prepared to combat this approach from spear distance again.
He wasted no energy while Ikki was out of range, but the moment Ikki entered his zone, he swooped in like a raging fire.
Fundamentally, Moroboshi preferred this kind of patient spear technique.
Thats what Ikki decided to aim for.
The first blow Moroboshi would put out as he approached.
(Ill hit his interception with Dokuga no Tachi!)
He raised his sword diagonally above his head. His sixth secret sword- Dokuga no Tachi.
It sends shockwaves into the enemy through the Device, attacking them from the inside.
It was an attack that passed through weapons.
Unlike Shinkirou, he hadnt shown this technique to Moroboshi.
Therefore, the first attack should definitely get by-
What might this be?
...?
Ikki was left astonished the instant his Dokuga no Tachi interceptedTorou.
Moroboshi had quickly withdrawn his spear.
Then, aiming at Ikki, who was full of openings after being faked out, he struck out again.
As if Id take such a poisoned strike!
Ku, Uoooooo!!!
Immediately after, that light of strength leaving someone, Blood Light, danced in the air.
Moroboshis strike had caught Ikki.
However, it had not been a serious wound.
It had only slightly scratched his side.
To pull that off, Ikki had used the hilt ofIntetsuto strike the blade ofTorouand turn its trajectory.
He then promptly escaped out of spear range.
Skillful as usual.
What makes you say it was poisoned? You should not have seen this technique before.
Its because you left your weight behind unnaturally. I just got a bad feeling from that.
...I see.
Ikki laughed bitterly at that.
Even though hed intended to make an opening, somehow thered been another oversight.
He suddenly understood then.
(Tactics that expect mistakes from the enemy wont work on this man.)
Perhaps it was due to the lack of tension during a mock battle, but Moroboshi's concentration had too few holes.
He had been in a natural stance this whole time, leaving no openings to attack.
In that case There was only one thing left to do.
Having decided thus, Ikki broughtIntetsuinto Seigan no Kamaeand focused on Moroboshi with both eyes.
---
Moroboshi observed Ikkis gaze and stance.
Whats that? The nature of his pressure has changed.
Moroboshis veteran 6th sense immediately sensed something.
(His back foot is well planted. He cant dash effectively from that stance.)
Just as Moroboshi had judged, Ikkis third approach was different from those until now; this time he approached slowly.
Without changing from Seigan no Kamae[3], Ikki shuffled forwards slowly, feet never leaving the ground.
Whats wrong? If you move at such a turtle-like pace, youll be filled with holes the moment you get in range.
---
Ikki showed no response to Moroboshis provocation.
Ignoring him-that wasnt quite it.
(Hes simply not listening. He cant even hear me.)
After looking at Ikkis eyes, he understood.
He wouldnt respond to sound.
With his eyes focused on Moroboshi, he would just slowly advance and close the gap.
(When focus exceeds normal limits, you become unable to hear anything around you, and also become unable to perceive color. Ive experienced being in that zone before...)
Well, if it was the man before him, he could probably enter that state intentionally.
The problem was, what was he thinking, using that focus?
With such slow movements, what was he trying to start?
Finally, Ikkis toes encroached upon Moroboshis domain.
(Tch, Im so confused! But what I have to do doesnt change!)
Moroboshi made his move.
Focusing on speed, he unleashed a violent storm of steel.
Ikki blocked it in the same way as before, withIntetsuflying in to deflect the spear.
The sound of weapons clashing. The rain of sparks. It was exactly the same as earlier.
!?!?
Moroboshi felt it in the hand wieldingToroufirst.
There was an abnormal weight coming from this opponent.
It felt like a massive tree rooted in the earth.
No matter how many times he struck, Ikki would not back off like he had earlier.
He didnt dodge horizontally either.
With his eyes fixed on Moroboshi, he advanced straight forwards, bit by bit. Only forwards.
...!
Seeing his form, Moroboshi understood Ikkis idea.
(This guy, he didnt have a specific plan or anything! He cut off nonessential senses, lowered strength spent on things other than movement as much as possible, and put all his focus into his sword! Ill put my all into my blade and break through with all my strength!)
He wasnt an opponent you could get past with a half hearted plan and a cheap trick.
Knowing that, he would meet the blade that Ikki honed with his all.
Ikki understood his own weakness, and made use of everything before his eyes for victory.
Contrary to that, when it mattered, he had the courage to trust in his own strength.
At a glance, these two seem contradictory.
The one who united them was Worst One Ikki Kurogane.
He is aware of his weakness.
Despite that, he believes that he can be stronger than anyone.
To achieve this, he does everything he can.
That everything resides in the black blade he grasped in both hands.
Therefore, Ikki Kurogane would no longer back down. He would no longer run.
If it was himself, it was possible.
Believing that, he advanced slowly, but surely, towards Yuudai Moroboshi.
This was no last stand. Nor was it a desperate attack.
Absolute Victory. He held such a conviction.
His pressure was fierce.
Guh!?
He overwhelmed Moroboshi soundly, driving him into a corner of the rectangular arena.
Awesome, Onii-sama! To drive that Moroboshi-san against a wall head on!
Forwards, slowly, but surely. He did it through incredible pressure.
Yeah. That said Kurogane-kuns stance is also amazing.
What are you talking about?
Against Moroboshi-san, without being shifted laterally or front-to-back, he maintained a straight trajectory. It makes it hard on the attacker. Anyway, he guarded with his blade well centered in Seigan no Kamae and made it difficult to attack, and his opponent did not change his stance at all, continuously aiming for a fatal strike at the same place, from the same angle. He inevitably ended up repeating the same motion. As a result-
Right after that, red light fluttered in the ring.
It was Blood Light spilling from Ikkis limbs.
It was just a graze, though.
And surely enough, Moroboshi also understood the result that Touka pointed out.
(Ive shown too much motion! Hes optimizing his strength and approach to repel me!)
Precisely. If one ends up repeating the same attack, then youll end up exposing it.
The power, angle, and speed necessary to deflect the enemy was all shown in detail.
And now Ikki had analyzed it and optimized.
While avoiding any fatal wounds, Ikki used the minimum defence necessary, contracting his defensive movements as much as he could, making his attack and defense stronger than before, and stepping into Moroboshis zone.
Forwards. Powerfully. Quickly.
Moroboshi-san lost his patience after being backed into a corner. Hes attacking unreasonably out of impatience!
That was Toukas prediction.
Come no closer!
It came true in the next instant.
Moroboshi sent a single flashing strike flying towards Ikki.
Because of his impatience, he sent his elbow too far to return easily, making it a sloppy thrust.
Without any spirit put into it, the strike lacked power and aim.
!!!
Ikki didnt overlook that.
Shit-
By the time Moroboshi realized his misplay, it was too late.
Ikki stepped forwards with the sloppy thrust, letting his own shoulder be pierced.
Using his own body he trappedTorou, denying Moroboshi any counterattack.
Haaaaaa!!!
WithToroustuck in his shoulder, he broke into Moroboshis space and thrust his blade into his heart.
Damn Lost again!
Moroboshi cried as his heart was pierced, and with his strength drained he collapsed on the floor spread eagled.
Damnit I thought Id be able to win this time, too.
At the real match this wouldnt do
Ikkis words, spoken while gasping for air, were not born of humility.
In reality, the fight just now Moroboshi had, worrying about Ikki who had low magic power, held back Tiger Bite. He couldnt go all out on the contestant who was about to go into a big match. Even in that state, they had devoted as much power as they could.
Ikki knew this after crossing swords with him.
So, with Moroboshi included, Ikki once again thanked all his friends who had gathered today.
Moroboshi-san. Everyone else as well. I am truly thankful. I have gained valuable experience before my match with Stella.
I dont need thanks. You can return this favor by returning as the champion.
Isnt that a little unreasonable?
Are you not confident?
Moroboshi asked Ikki while sitting up, and after a brief silence, Ikki nodded slightly.
Honestly, I think this fight is going to be the toughest thing Ive done in my life. I cant say Im confident But Ill give it everything I have.
That wont do, you big idiot.
Moroboshi prodded Ikki in the head withTorous hilt.
Then he spoke in a chiding tone.
This is the stage youve always aimed for. You cant take it with such half hearted feelings. No matter how strong your opponent was, you must always enter the ring believing that you will win, 100%. Even if you dont have confidence, force it out. You can think about losing after you lose. If you end up losing, thats all youll be able to think about anyway.
Moroboshi-san
If you still dont feel confident, Ill stick with you until you do. So, do me a favor and dont say such a pitiful thing.
Everyone gathered there today for Ikki silently agreed with Moroboshis sentiment.
They all had the same expectations as Moroboshi.
If youll go that far for me, Ill take you up on your offer. Will you accompany me a little longer?
Hehe, then, how about we go again after a rest?
Yeah, sure-
With a heavy scraping sound, the training areas fire exit opened.
!!!
A cold, wintry wind blew in and brushed against everyone inside.
They all noticed immediately.
This was not cold air, but that crisp swordsmanship that made one get the chills.
At least someone in there recognized that aura.
Could it be?
Thinking that, they turned to the door.
What is it? Every one of you looks dumbfounded.
With eyes as sharp as those of a bird of prey, glaring at all present, was a tall man with long hair.
Sword Emperor of Wind, Ouma Kurogane, stood there.
O, Ouma!?
Why are you!?
Nobody was able to hide their surprise at the unexpected newcomer.
Ouma saw this and tossed the sack hed been carrying on his shoulder onto the floor.
Im here for the same reason most of you are. I got a text asking for a training partner before the finals.
Eh, er, is that so? Onii-sama.
Shizuku looked back at Ikki in surprise, who nodded.
What he said was true.
What he said was true.
Besides Moroboshi and Touka, he had also contacted Ouma.
Of course, he had only done it because there was no harm in trying.
Ouma had never acted for Ikkis sake before, after all.
I didnt think that you would actually come, so I cant help but be surprised.
Its only because Im free, since I had planned to fight in the finals. Also I thought that Id see your power myself.
My power?
After all, its F-rank vs rank. Your defeat is all but decided by the fate. I have no interest in such a spectacle. Its just To have even survived with such a meager power, until you were able to stand in front of that dragon It is my duty as your older brother to beat the dullness out of you before you are killed.
Oumas whole body then welled up with wind magic, which he focused into his right hand, manifesting his device, the nodachiRyuuzume.
...!
When he manifestedRyuuzume, the aura he emitted became much sharper.
Shizuku felt disquieted, and immediately moved in front of Ikki as if to protect him.
No- More accurately, she tried to.
However, Ikki stopped her by putting his hand on her shoulder.
Even as Shizukus eyes shook with worry, Ikki told her Its alright, and stood in front of Ouma.
Thank you for coming. Brother.
Cut the idle chatter and prepare already. Im not here to chit-chat.
(As usual, not even a hint of friendliness.)
Even as he smiled wryly, just by feeling the pressure he felt just from standing in front of Ouma, he found himself in awe.
(Amazing)
He had felt the intimidating aura the first time they had faced each other.
Oumas body seemed twice as big.
It was clear that he was a cut above fighters like Moroboshi and Touka.
Ikkis palms began to sweat.
However, the thought of backing down didnt even occur to him.
After all there was some truth in what Ouma said. If he couldnt fight off Ouma, then he had no chance of prevailing against Stella.
Might as well start praying then.
For the purpose of forcing life back into Ikki when he was feebly panicking in fear of Stella, there was no better opponent.
Ikki shook off the sweat from his palms once, and took upIntetsuin his grasp once again.
Lets do this!
Ouma made the first move as the start was announced.
With his kimono sleeves fluttering, he moved to close the distance to Ikki directly.
Ikki was not idle, however.
He kicked off the floor to meet Ouma.
Of course, he wasnt foolish enough to simply attack Ouma straight on like that.
He knew what kind of superhuman physical endurance and strength Oumas mad training had granted him.
Therefore-
Thats!
Moroboshi, watching from the sides, noticed.
The instant Ikki entered the nodachis range, he changed his step, adding sudden changes to his speed.
Moroboshi knew that technique well.
Ikki used those movements to confuse his opponents vision and create afterimages.
It was the Shinkirou he spread around him.
And, according to Ikkis plan, Ouma snapped at the afterimages.
With one breath he swungRyuuzumedown from above as if cutting bamboo, cutting Ikki in half.
However, he had cut an afterimage.
As a result, he exposed himself to a flank from the real Ikki.
"He got him!"
Moroboshi clenched his fist upon seeing Ikki take the initiative.
Next to him though, Raikiri was squinting while taking her glasses off.
No, not quite.
She pointed out a mistake in Moroboshis analysis.
Ouma knew his next move from the signals his body gave him.
!!!
Without bringing his lowered blade back up, he took a low, diagonal swing.
Using that force, Ouma rammed Ikki with his shoulder.
Shoulder charge! He even read through Shinkirou!
Ikki usedIntetsu, which he was going to attack with, to block instead.
However, Ouma was heavier than he looked.
The shock of a nearly five hundred kilogram mans ramming attack was easily lethal.
...!
With the low sound of two people colliding, Ikkis body was pushed back and he stumbled backwards with his balance destroyed.
Ouma swooped down on Ikki like a raging fire.
Without giving Ikki any time to recover his stance, he fired off several slashes and stabs.
Fast.
It approached Moroboshis Sanrensei in speed.
Without taking a breath, he fired off 10, 20, an endless barrage of attacks.
Such astounding rotation-Shizuku recognized it.
Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Retsu no kiwami Amatsukaze...[4]!
What the heck is that?
Its a secret technique within the Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu style passed through the generations in the Kurogane family. Its a continuous 108 strike combination.
From the first strike to the 108th, everything from the angle and power of each strike was tuned for efficiency.
By repeating them over and over countless times and carving them to his very core, he was able to abolish all thoughts and bring out the fastest speed that his flesh and blood body could handle. It was meant to crush the opponent with an overwhelming number of strikes.
Theres no better technique than this to defeat someone whose stance has been broken!
But if Im not mistaken, didnt Ikki grow strong by stealing the techniques of others? In which case he should definitely know of a technique passed among the Kurogane, shouldnt he?
...I dont know. All of this talk is over my head. But even if he does, with just that he cant do anything about this assault.
Just as Shizuku said, in the face of Oumas overwhelming speed, Ikki could not even bringIntetsuto face the attacks. He had to do everything he could just to dodge Oumas fierce onslaught. He definitely wouldnt be able to turn the attack in this situation.
Bringing about such a situation was the point of Amatsukaze, after all.
With almost excessively optimized constant attacks, it held down the enemy, preventing them from taking any actions.
Now, Ikki was completely stuck in that situation.
Thats how it seemed, looking from outside.
However-
(Hes waiting for something...)
Even as Ikki was being overwhelmed by Oumas strikes, Touka Toudou saw a glint of cleverness in Ikkis eyes.
He was being neither held down nor overwhelmed.
He was waiting for something.
That something was an opening in Amatsukaze.
No matter how much time had gone into developing such a technique, in the end, it was created by humans.
Creating something perfect was impossible.
And if it was anything short of perfect, Ikkis penetrating insight wouldnt miss it.
It wasn't a first sighting either, especially since it was the Kurogane style, which hed spent the most time watching.
---
Suddenly, a particularly sharp sound rang out, and the situation changed.
After that sound, the one who was thrown off balance was Ouma.
Ikki had pulled out his seventh secret sword, Raikou.
It was a technique with such speed that, before he had grasped what hed stolen from Twin-Wings, he hadnt been able to discern its swing by sight.
Worst Ones fastest strike had been further refined by Twin-Wings' swordsmanship, and in the instant between Sword Emperor of Winds Amatsukazes fifty-seventh and fifty-eighth strike, Ikki cut in with a strike toRyuuzumes side, ruining the combination.
After he disrupted the combination, Ikki launched a full body attack at Ouma, whose stance had been broken.
It was a slash with all his weight thrown behind it.
Moroboshi noticed something in that motion.
(The way hes using his weight is just like the time he fought me.)
It was his sixth secret sword-Dokuga no Tachi.
Whether it strikes sword or armor, the opponent would be destroyed from within starting at the point of contact.
Using this technique, he could render Oumas steel body meaningless.
Not knowing that, Ouma took Ikkis attack without blocking or dodging, accepting it with his tempered body.
His body was attacked from within as if it were a bag of water.
The shock that entered Ouma had nowhere to escape, and so it ran over his muscles, bones, and organs-
Tenryuugusoku
...!
The shock should have hit him, but Ouma looked like he didnt even care.
Dokuga no Tachi had not failed.
The vibrations from his blade had definitely made it to Ouma.
However, Ouma had not been moved.
That was, in short, what made Ouma Kurogane a terror.
He had a force of will that transcended flesh.
He hadnt spared any effort, realizing his resolution with steel-like sense of purpose.
Half-hearted attacks would not even be noticed.
Far from crying out in pain, without swaying even a little, hed clad his body in the stormy armor Tenryuugusoku.
Then, Ouma reached pastIntetsu, which had been touching his chest, and sent Ikki flying back.
Ikkis body tumbled in the air like hed been hit by a car.
Aiming for his landing spot, Ouma swungRyuuzumehorizontally from where he was.
With the sharp sound of cutting through air, he released a vacuum blade.
It flew towards Ikkis landing spot, with just the right trajectory to strike Ikkis neck.
However, Ikki ended up deciding not to evade.
Fu.
Ikki took the impact of the landing by sinking into his knees, lowering his body.
He bent as far as he could, then released the energy coiled in his lower body.
With enough power to gouge the ring, he kicked the ground and thrustIntetsus tip at the incoming vacuum blade.
First secret sword-Saigeki.
Within Another Ones original sword techniques, it boasted the fastest charging speed and the strongest penetration. With that thrust, Ikki met the vacuum blade head on and destroyed it with all his strength, sending the force right back at Ouma like an arrow.
Ouma had tried to use Tenryuugusoku to form a gap and engage in long range combat, but Ikki's speed completely destroyed that plan. He would unable to respond to Ikki charging back into range again with such timing-supposedly. However!
(Its no use!)
Touka and the other spectators all shivered.
At the same time, Ikki noticed it too.
When he destroyed the vacuum blade, the distortion disappeared from his field of vision.
Ouma brandishedRyuuzume, twisting as far as to face his back towards Ikki.
Everyone knew what technique would be fired from that stance.
Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Jin no kiwami- Amaterasu[5].
It was a secret technique where he used his whole bodys strength to twist his frame down to the bone, then slashed by releasing that wound up power. Though it was but one stroke, unlike Ikkis Blade Steal, this, Sword Emperor of Winds fastest strike, was more truly within the territory of Twin-Wings.
Moreover, Amaterasu was not long ranged, but a close ranged attack.
Ouma had understood.
After breaking through the vacuum blade, Ikki would immediately return to sword distance.
Having read his opponent, he amassed his power and waited.
This was the worst development for Ikki.
Saigeki was an assault technique. He had put all of his power into the starting kick, as it was a technique that shot oneself like an arrow towards its target.
Therefore, once in the middle of Saigeki, it would not be possible to stop.
Ikki could now only move forwards.
As Oumas Amaterasu would win in reach and speed,Ryuuzumewould behead Ikki before Ikkis blade reached him.
However-
Ikki was not such a naive man as to be unable to improvise in a pinch.
Wha!?
In the next moment, the spectators all widened their eyes in surprise.
In the instant Ouma fired Amaterasu, Ikki pointedIntetsudown and stabbed the tip into the ground.
As a result, Saigekis assault pitched forward, launching Ikki over Oumas head like a pole vaulter. He then kicked off the ceiling hard enough to break it, and once again charged at Ouma with Saigeki.
Amaterasu was a technique in which one devotes their all into one moves speed.
That meant it left one vulnerable until it ended, leaving Ouma unable to avoid this Saigeki.
...Direct hit.
The close range Saigeki pierced Oumas wind armor, Tennryuugusoku, and Ikkis sword dug in right above his collarbone.
That was by no means a random target.
Ikki had seen through Oumas muscle shape and density based on his movements, and attacked so as to slip through a gap.
He realized that without doing so, his offensive power would not be enough to pierce Oumas body.
His judgement was correct.
Even something like Touka using her Takemikazuchi was unable to cut Ouma. The only one who could damage him with a simple slash would probably be someone as powerful as Stella.
However, the plan hadnt gone that well.Intetsuhad not cut muscle. It had seemed to pierce Ouma, but before it turned into a serious wound, Ouma had flexed his muscles. His swelling muscles caught the blade as if it had been tucked in there.
Ikki immediately tried to extract his sword.
However, the cost of not bringing Ouma down was too great.
Ouma grabbed Ikki by the lapels before Ikki even landed on the floor, then threw him onto the ring with his full power.
!!!
Ikkis body made a large, deep depression in the hard stone ring.
He just barely managed to use an ukemi, distributing the impact into the ring, but his stance was left in a terrible state, with one knee propping him up on the ground.
Ouma struck there, putting his full body weight into a downward swing.
Ikki also brought upIntetsuto bear.
Unfortunately, his stance was too poor.
With a position like that, there was no way he could take a blow with Oumas weight.
Onii-samaaa!
Ouma crushed Ikki along withIntetsuwith his weighted blow.
But in the moment it seemed that would happen, something nobody could believe happened before their eyes.
Somehow, in the next moment, the one who was blown away was Ouma.
Ouma immediately gathered power in his toes, but couldnt stop.
While scraping the surface of the ring, he moved backwards.
Even when he thrustRyuuzumes blade into the ground, he could not fully contain the force-
Not until he finally reached the side of the ring.
Ikki had certainly been at a disadvantage.
However, the one retreating had been Ouma.
The spectators outside the ring were all baffled by this turn of events.
Wha, what was that just now?
I, I dont know
Moroboshi and Touka knew they hadnt mistaken the statuses of the combatants.
That only left them all the more confused.
The attack just now clearly far exceeded Ikkis strength.
What had just happened before them?
Unable to understand even after pondering it, they could only stare intently at Ouma, who had been forced to the edge of the ring.
However, there was one person who understood what had just happened.
It was none other than the one who had been pushed back, Ouma himself.
He understood the trickery from the numbness in his arms, and glared irritatedly at Ikki.
...Such trickery is just like you.
But you fell back, brother.
...
My swordsmanship does not seek to become powerful. It seeks to win. Therefore, I will do everything I can possible do to defeat my opponent. Even if my opponent is more powerful than me, I will win. Even if that seems like trickery to you, brother, it is the answer that I, the weakest one, came up with. That is Ikki Kuroganes swordsmanship. I do not intend to apologize for it.
Ikki did not avert his gaze from Oumas scornful glare.
He boldly threw out his chest, having nothing he felt ashamed about.
Ikkis pose made Ouma think.
Even though he couldnt understand, didnt want to understand, that was one of Ikkis strengths, wasnt it. Then
Are you satisfied with your swordsmanship, having pushed me to the edge of the arena with stolen techniques?
He had once again entered the ring, brandishingRyuuzume.
The blade was clad in wind.
It was a dragons claw, clad in a wild tornado.
While his blade shaved parts off the ceiling and walls, Ouma called out to Ikki.
Take your stance, Ikki.
I will give you everything I have.
Use everything you have, and show me you can overturn fate.
...
Hearing those words, Ikki showed surprise for a moment.
He never thought this brother of his would accompany him so far.
However, towards that fighting spirit which brought shivers to his skin,
Yes!
Ikki thanked him sincerely and took up a stance withIntetsuagain.
At some point, his cold sweat had stopped.
...
When Stella opened her eyes, she found the room full of deep red light flowing in from the evening sun.
She sat up in bed.
Her eyelids were light, and not so much as a yawn escaped her mouth.
Her mind was clear, and it even seemed like her vision was broader.
She threw off her bathrobe and stood in front of a full body mirror.
It reflected a white body with beautiful curves and proportions.
Without any hesitation, she understood that her blood, cells, everything was full of energy.
It seemed the excessive amount of food shed eaten before sleeping had been stored away without waste by her draconic body.
There was no mistake. She was in peak condition like shed never been before.
Stella felt confident in the heat her body emitted.
Tonight, she would learn things about herself that she didnt know.
Well now, everything was ready.
Time to go.
To the ultimate stage, where the strongest opponent would be waiting.
1Renren is making a pun on Saijou's given name, Ikazuchi (), which can mean lightning god.
2Happou Nirami, : An all-directional observation technique.
3Seigan no Kamae, : A basic defensive stance with blade held low, pointing at enemys eyes.
4Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Retsu no kiwami Amatsukaze, : Rising Sun One Mind Style Highest of Sequence - Amatsukaze.
5Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Jin no kiwami- Amaterasu, : Rising Sun One Mind Style Highest of Swiftness - Amaterasu.
Chapter 14 - Heightened Fighting Spirit After the end of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festivals second semifinal round, Ikki fainted in the waiting room. By the time his cardiac arrest was discovered, the shock and anxiety had spread beyond his inner circle, to the tournament staff and spectators. Many of them seemed to expect the worst outcome. In reality, the tournament staff had to at least consider that possibility, so they revised the schedule for the next day..
Fortunately though, due to the power of Japans greatest doctor, there was no need to worry. Ikki was saved from death..
.
However, Ikki had still not awoken by the time the final round was scheduled to begin. But was that really a big deal? As long as Ikki was alive, what was waiting a day?.
.
Everyones hearts were united in this..
.
Kurogane Ikki and Stella Vermillion..
.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that this 62ndSeven Stars Sword-Art Festival had been the highest level ever..
.
The two knights who had fought their way to the summit, the finals..
.
The tournament should not end without seeing the conclusion for oneself..
.
An attack after the end of the match. Not to mention taking a stray hit after protecting the umpire. With such an unfair end, there was no good excuse to end the festival there..
.
Therefore, they waited for Ikki to come to the stage of battle..
.
To this end, everyone offered a hand. The staff ran about apologizing and moving forward an exhibition that had been planned for the last day, the media coordinated special coverage, and the spectators accepted these changes without complaint. All for one young mans sake, countless people gave their all..
.
And then He came..
.
The sun had already gone down completely. His clothes were disheveled and he still had a bed head..
.
Even so, he was there in the ring, ready to face his fight, showing his strong will..
.
The hopes of the fighters, the desires of the staff, and the feelings of the audience were all the same..
.
There were no longer any obstacles..
.
Thus, with many peoples support and good will and the great spirit of the fighters, the final match was ready..
.
Dawn broke at last, coming from the eastern sky with a first light that seemed to burn white-.
.
And the morning of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festivals final day, which so many had been longing for..
.
.
.
Wow, What a huge crowd. Everyone is so fired up even though its still morning, huh..
.
It was 9 am. Tomaru Renren, from the Hagun Academy Student Council, had taken the bullet train to the station nearest Wangan Dome, where the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival was taking place. The moment she got off, she found herself both amazed and astonished by the massive congestion, and murmured this complaint..
.
Everything, from the platform to the ticket gate to the road to the dome, was filled with an uncountable number of people..
.
Naturally, they all had one goal. The Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival finals..
.
But with this many people, can they even get inside?.
.
Theres no way they can all fit inside. Theyve even installed monitors outside..
.
The one who answered Renrens question was the one who had come with her to Osaka, another member of the student council..
.
It was a large man with a physique like a rugged boulder, Saijou Ikazuchi..
.
Just like he had pointed out, most of the people were there to watch the fight from outside the venue..
.
Even though normally a lot of people gathered, the semifinals simply couldnt compare to the finals..
.
Considering that it was a confrontation between the Rank Knight Crimson Princess, boasting magic power that could be said to be the greatest of mankind, against the Blazer with the worst evaluation of F-Rank, Worst One, who had advanced by continuously defeating one strong opponent after another starting with Seven Stars Sword King, it's even more so..
.
Moreover, with such an unprecedented turnout, many merchants had gathered to do business as well..
.
Some sat with their backs to the hedge, guitar in hand, singing songs..
.
Other performers juggled or did magic tricks..
.
And then there were the local stalls..
.
Even though it was but morning, the area around Wangan dome was already festive..
.
There was another person currently with Renren, the Student Council Vice President, Utakata Misogi, whose face was blue and trying to hold something back from his mouth..
.
Somehow this large crowd is making me feel rather sick.
.
Are you okay? Vice Pres-?.
.
Im not okay. Im hot. Frazzled. Tired. I cant take it..
.
Then it would have been better to leave you at school..
.
Thats no joking matter. Wouldnt I look like an idiot if only I had stayed behind to work while everyone was playing? Lets just hurry and get to the hotel. If we stay in this kind of place, I think my brains will melt out through my ears..
.
Utakata whined while pulling at the hems of Saijous shirt..
.
Well, even if ones brain didnt melt, staying much longer would probably lead to heat stroke..
.
It would be no laughing matter to have spent the two and a half hours to come from Tokyo only to watch the game from a hospital bed..
.
Even if you say that, with a crowd like this, finding Kanatsenpai will be such a pain-.
.
Nah, thats not true..
.
As he said that, Saijou pointed at a spot in the crowd..
.
Everyone, over here~.
.
Amongst the crowd, dressed in mainly short sleeved shirts and shorts, with at most a thin cardigan, was the figure of Kanata Toutokubara, completely clad in a white dress that did not reveal even her fingertips, which could already be said to be a partially suspicious getup..
.
That was a needless worry, huh..
.
Kanatsenpai, arent you hot?.
.
Ill be fine if I just endure it~.
.
Endure Why endure through that.
.
Perhaps there was some spiritual reason? It perplexed Renren..
.
Utakata tilted his head questioningly at his junior, then asked Kanata a question..
.
Eh? Kanata, whatever happened to Touka?.
.
Though they had without a doubt been traveling with her, the figure of Hagun Academy Student Council President, Touka Toudou, was nowhere to be found..
.
Since its Toukchan, she probably slipped out for some urgent business that just came up this morning..
.
Urgent business?.
.
Fufu. Yes. Urgent business..
.
Though Kanata would not explain the matter further, her bemused expression told them that it was not a serious matter..
.
Since it seemed that forceful questioning wouldnt be necessary, Utakata closed the matter with a hmm..
.
Well, she did say that she would come back before the fight, and that we should all watch the finals together..
.
I see..
.
But, finals, huh Once, we were wondering what would happen, but it would be good to have a meeting about it. Being surprise attacked after a match, moreover losing by default due to an injury taken while protecting someone else, Kurogane-kun is too pitiable..
.
That issue is something for the management committee to consider for us. Such a special measure is an unprecedented exception..According to the information Toutokubara collected, to make this extension happen, Prime Minister Tsukikage pulled a lot of strings..
.
The Prime Minister who put us through all that?.
.
...Again, thats a separate matter..
.
Nonetheless, theres no way they would have delayed the schedule just for one student. It just so happens that the rampage Stella went on that shortened the festival by a day may have been a blessing in disguise... It looks super unfortunate, but kouhai-kun is pretty lucky..
.
Renren nodded in agreement at this as well..
.
Then she looked up at Saijou behind her and asked a question in her friendliest classmate voice..
.
Hey hey, who do you think will win? Saijou-.
.
At this, Saijou put his hand on his chin and contemplated for a moment..
.
...Both are from our school and are developing their abilities quickly. However, just looking at how they fought during the semifinals, Vermillion has the edge in ability. I cant imagine how to handle that dragons power with just sword techniques. My assessment is that Vermillion will triumph..
.
With that answer Renren came to an understanding..
.
Stellas true power was what she pulled out in the semifinals, Noble Art Dragon Spirit..
.
It was natural for Saijou to come to such a conclusion..
.
However- Renrens thoughts differed..
.
Its true that Stellchans true power, the embodiment of a dragon, was amazing. I do think its already beyond what one person has the power to handle; its just that abnormal a power But, its by repeatedly overturning such unreasonable odds that Kurogane-kun came to be standing in the finals ring tonight..
.
...You think Kurogane will win?.
.
Renren nodded..
.
I understand because Ive fought him directly. Though Stellchans power surpasses human understanding, Kurogane-kuns skill can also be said to be superhuman, something in the realm of the abnormal. Do you remember? What Kurogane-kun did when he defeated me at the Hagun selection battles?.
.
.
.
If Im not mistaken, he sidestepped your supersonic charge Black Bird, then caught you by the nape of your neck and smashed you into the ring..
.
Thats right. Normally, doing that would get your arm torn off. Despite that, Kurogane-kun countered that power completely and instead diverted it into the ground. That skill is definitely a match for Stellchans violent power..
.
...Its not that I cant understand your point of view, but your understanding of Vermillion is a little naive. She effortlessly stopped my Crescendo Axes heaviest strike. Because of Dragon Spirit, that brute strength probably rose even more. That offensive power is beyond the domain of things that can be stopped with techniques. I was crushed by it, after all..
.
Kurogane-kun has the speed to completely dodge that. I saw it myself, Kuroganes speed throwing Stellas figure off her feet!.
.
Thats an illusion. Fights are won by by those who are strong..
.
What a thoughtless thing to say! Speed is the key to modern wars!.
.
In the end, it seems you just want the opponent you lost to to win..
.
Youre the one who wants that!.
.
Hnnnng!.
.
Mmmmm-!.
.
Ah okay okay, lets stop it there you two..
.
Within the heat that only gave rise to a haze, those two held an argument so heated, it gave off sparks..
.
Unable to just watch, Utakata got between them and tore them apart..
.
Have your sweltering conversation in a place with air conditioning. If we stand around here any longer, well end up with heat stroke..
.
Thats right. Then, everyone, lets go to the hotel. Theres even food prepared, so lets continue there..
.
It seemed Kanata agreed with Utakata..
.
She immediately took the lead to guide them to the Toutokubara groups hotel and began walking..
.
Eh? Food? Awesome~ Theres food, Food~.
.
...Apologies. I, of all people, got unusually fired up..
.
Nah, the lightning god image was quite scorching, so it didnt seem out of place.[1].
.
!?!?.
.
With a shocked expression, Saijou hardened like a statue and got left behind..
.
.
.
Fuhaha~ Look, the people are like trash!.
.
What the hell are you doing?.
.
A long line of people stretched from the station to Wangan Dome..
.
Watching from the hotel terrace, Nene Saikyou let out a strange, feigned voice, at which Kurono Shinguuji shot her an incredulous gaze..
.
Now look here, when you look at a crowd of people from somewhere high, dont you just want to say that? Instinctively..
.
I do not..
.
Seriously? Kuu-chan, are you sure youre Japanese?.
.
Is this really something youd involve nationality in?.
.
While grumbling in a sighing voice, Kurono pulled out cigarettes from her suit..
.
She put one to her lips and lit it before tossing words at Saikyou..
.
It seems you didnt agree to do commentary for the last day, even though it should be a profitable job..
.
Well, yeah. Its the finals of my favorite pupil. Wouldnt I want to watch from the front row?.
.
It was only for a week, I want to say, but She did improve considerably..
.
I was surprised too. I thought Id just try more or less shoving her around. Who would have thought that such a beast would be sleeping..
.
When I think about it, that huge appetite of hers that doesnt match her constitution must be the influence of the dragons power as well..
.
As she said that, Kurono glanced at the top of the table fleetingly..
.
There, stacked on the table, was a mountain comprised of the ruins of what had once been a room service meal..
.
Farther in, on the bed, the red haired girl who had created the mess Crimson Princess Stella Vermillion was sleeping with her body curled up like a baby..
.
...Nene. About todays finals, what do you think?.
.
I think itll be a great fight. Since theyre both knights who obtained great power in their own ways, neither should get done in easily. Though it could also become an appropriately high level mudslinging contest..
.
A mudslinging contest eh..
.
You know, since theyre lovers and all. Its kind of messy..
.
If such a pleasant quarrel were to occur, the viewers might just feel relieved..
.
After responding to Saikyous banter with a dry laugh, Kurono puffed out a breath of smoke..
.
I dont think thats likely to happen. Especially between these two..
.
She muttered, though her tone betrayed a tinge of nervousness..
.
At this, Saikyou also returned a small nod..
.
True. If something goes wrong, someone might die. Just like in the match between you and me..
.
Though Saikyou was joking, Kurono could see that her eyes carried the same nervousness..
.
What she was recalling was the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival of their own generation..
.
What she clashed with back then were her own feelings..
.
Back then, she believed she didn't mind dying..
.
To beat that person, she would even throw away her life..
.
It was to that extent The girl named Kurono Takizawa had pined..
.
Saikyou was sure that Kurono thought something similar might happen..
.
That, with the same feelings as they had held back then, these two might-.
.
Still It seems the one in danger here in the end is still Kuro-bou..
.
Does Yaksha Princess see Crimson Princess as better?.
.
Yes, after all, I cant picture it. The image of this princess losing, that is..
.
Saikyou momentarily looked over the sleeping Stella..
.
As she was deep asleep, all Stella did was make sleeping sounds..
.
She was saving her strength..
.
Not even using the energy to open her eyes, she accumulated strength from head to toe..
.
All so that tonight, she could erupt at the finals..
.
....
.
While laying her on the bed, the two had visions of the dragons giant body several times..
.
At that overwhelming pressure, Kurono couldnt help but gulp..
.
And so she thought..
.
Tonight, the one to face this monster will be a single knight..
.
(Kurogane. What are you thinking now? How are you spending your time?).
.
Was he, like this girl, accumulating strength?.
.
Perhaps he was waiting eagerly for the finals, unable to sleep from the exhilaration?.
.
Or possibly....
.
...Either way, in this match, even if we interrupt it, things could get deadly. We cant leave this to some half-hearted knight. If it comes down to it, you and I will stop it Just like Nangou-sensei and Kurogane-sensei did back then..
.
I know, I know..
.
Saikyou agreed with Kuronos sentiment without showing distaste on her face..
.
From the start, in order to focus on the fight and not miss such an important timing, she had turned down the commentary..
.
She didnt have to be told such a thing..
.
Saikyou regarded Kurono with a serious expression. Right now, even more important was-.
.
Hey, Kuu-chan..
.
Hm? What?.
.
This place is a non-smoking room, you know..
.
...Next time, please warn me before I light up..
.
Ill use my best discretion..
.
With a mean grin on her face, Nene smirked at the blushing Kurono..
.
.
.
Stella had stored as much strength as she could in her body..
.
Her opponent, Kurogane Ikki, was in a training facility owned by the National League near the Wangan Dome..
.
For the duration of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, this training facility was free for use by contenders..
.
Ikki was carrying out a mock battle in one of that facilitys rings..
.
Acting as his opponent was a tall, thin, and handsome person..
.
It was his friend, Black Sonia Nagi Arisuin..
.
-Huu..
.
With a fast attack that whistled through the air, Ikki charged at Arisuin..
.
In response, Arisuin shifted his weight backwards and took a retreating stance..
.
Shadow Beast-!.
.
Arisuin threw three copies of his dagger shaped device,Darkness Hermit, at the ground, and left them standing there..
.
In an instant, they melted into puddle-like shadows on the ring..
.
From those shadows, a black spray splattered and two giant tigers and a bear flew out of them attacking Ikki..
.
However, Ikki was not even perturbed by these wild beasts, simply kicking off the floor and charging at the enemies that now stood in his way..
.
With one stroke he dealt with the shadow tiger snapping at his head, lightly sidestepped the bear trying to claw his head, and cut it at the torso as they passed. Then, with his fastest secret technique, Raikou, he used the weakness in the second tigers offensive stance to overtake its movements and bisect it..
.
The shadow beasts dispersed into a seemingly harmless black mist..
.
However, it had never been Arisuins intention to use Shadow Beast to stop Ikkis movement..
.
It was just a distraction..
.
The black mist that had dispersed from the crumbled shadow beasts blocked Ikkis field of vision for a moment-so he could to use his shadow jumping technique, Shadow Walk, to jump to Ikkis shadow!.
.
After his machinations went through smoothly, Arisuin moved from his own shadow to Ikkis..
.
From Ikkis shadow, stretching out behind him thanks to the lights in the ring, he sprung out, thinking (Ive got you!)..
.
From this position, facing Ikkis back, he flourishedDarkness Hermitto strike at Ikkis neck..
.
However, in that instant-.
.
!!!.
.
Even sooner than Arisuin could strike at Ikkis neck, the jet black tip of Ikkis device,Intetsu, appeared from under Ikkis arm, stopping just at Arisuins brow..
.
Without facing Arisuin, Ikki had completely read the plan to flank him, and counterattacked instead..
.
!!!.
.
Arisuin promptly used the knife hed been striking down with to guard..
.
By doing so he narrowly avoided being skewered, in that one beat, his action was stopped..
.
What Ikki Kurogane just took advantage of had been a fatal weakness..
.
-Gah, ha!.
.
The thud of a heavy strike reverberated throughout the ring..
.
It was the sound of Ikkis kick striking the pit of Arisuins stomach..
.
The impact of the kick to the stomach sent Arisuin flying three meters, where he rolled out of the ring and started coughing painfully..
.
Cough! Cough! H-harsh! To kick a maiden in the stomach is incredibly unchivalrous..
.
Er, Sorry?.
.
Why do you seem so unsure?.
.
Because I am unsure.
.
Arisuin couldnt help but smile at Ikkis answer, even as he continued to cough..
.
Haha, well, jokes aside Despite sleeping for an entire day, your body doesnt seem sleepy at all. Ikki. Youve given me some peace of mind..
.
Its all because you came with me for some warming up, Alice..
.
While expressing thanks, Ikki loweredIntetsu..
.
After all, Arisuin was lying on his side on the floor and not in any condition to fight..
.
In the end, this mock battle had just been to warm up Ikki after hed slept for a day..
.
There was no need to deal a finishing blow..
.
Thus, a petite girl rushed over with small steps to the two who had stopped fighting..
.
With neat, short, silver hair, the girl was Ikki Kuroganes younger sister, Shizuku Kurogane..
.
As soon as she arrived at Ikkis side, she gave her honest opinion while looking slightly astonished..
.
Isnt that enough? Tonight is the final and youre still here holding a mock battle. Youre being too unreasonable..
.
Haha, sorry. But Ive been sleeping the whole time, so Im checking the condition of my body..
.
Well, I know how you feel, but if you dont restrain yourself, your condition will only worsen. Look at how much sweat youve worked up Eh?.
.
Shizuku unexpectedly used a towel to wipe the sweat that had collected on Ikkis face, but her expression hardened..
.
That was because the sweat that hed shed was as cold as a winter stream..
.
Onii-sama, this is.
.
...Ive been exposed, huh..
.
With a bitter smile, Ikki received the towel from Shizuku..
.
This sweat isnt borne of exhaustion. Its from fear Of fighting with Stella, that is..
.
Ikki grumbled while continuing to mop up cold sweat..
.
Right, this wasnt sweat from exercise..
.
Nervousness, anxiety, weakness it was something that came from an emotions, that could only be described as chills..
.
It was because he was scared..
.
Scared of Crimson Princess Stella Vermillion..
.
But that was a matter of course..
.
The ease she had shown in her first irregular match against Icy Scorn Mikoto Tsuruya and others had demonstrated a power up within Ikkis expectations, but the power she showed in the semifinals far exceeded his imagination..
.
She is already different from the girl I fought before. Up until now, she had only been fighting with the dragons breath. But now, she has realized what she really is. Moreover, she now possesses the ability to freely control the power of the dragon that burned her as a child. She is not just a flame user anymore. Skill, power, tactics She is the incarnation of the prideful, all-powerful monster with the strength to force any enemy to yield..
.
And tonight, he would have to face that monster himself..
.
Whats more, this time, Stella now had even more information on the man named Ikki Kurogane..
.
When he had beat her in the past, he had used her lack of knowledge to launch a surprise attack. She would not let that happen again..
.
A veteran of losing battles. Stella knew about Ikki Kuroganes struggles better than anyone else..
.
In this final, there was definitely no room for slack in Stellas heart..
.
With such a Stella as an opponent, in the ring where there was nowhere to run or hide, the only option was to conquer her head on..
.
Because of that, I cannot waste even a minute, no, a second..
.
Sharper by the minute and stronger by the second..
.
He would sharpen himself up until the last moment before entering the ring..
.
That is my best condition..
.
Onii-sama.
.
Shizuku responded to her brothers unusually stiff expression with an uneasy voice. At that moment-.
.
Oi~ I did it!.
.
A call in a familiar kansai dialect hit everyone present..
.
Upon looking at the entrance to the room they were talking in-.
.
Ara, its you guys..
.
Moroboshi-san! And Toudou-san too! You came for us!.
.
In front of the open fire door stood the one Ikki had defeated in the first round of the tournament, Seven Stars Sword King Yuudai Moroboshi, and the one he had eliminated in Haguns selection tournament finals, Raikiri Touka Toudou..
.
Shizuku let her bewilderment at these unexpected visitors seep onto her face..
.
Why are you guys here...?.
.
Touka answered while happily grinning towards somewhere else..
.
This morning we got mail from Ikki saying he wanted our help with training..
.
From Onii-sama?.
.
Exactly. Well, I was free anyway. Incidentally At the hotel, I called over some of the other losers to come..
.
As he said so, Moroboshi pointed at the fire door behind him with his thumb..
.
Whos a loser? Youve said a little too much, Boshi!.
.
Well, in reality, thats exactly what we are..
.
Gahaha. True, True.Even if you try to say it nicely now, there's nothing you can do.
.
We didnt even participate in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, so we didnt lose!.
.
...Even though you guys got beat up by two people at the training camp?.
.
Behind the two, faces that anyone would recognize streamed in..
.
Moroboshi's fellow representatives from Bukyoku academy, Eye of Heaven Byakuya Jougasaki and Demon Flame Momiji Asagi..
.
Making the entrance seem small just by stepping his huge build through was Rokuzon Academy's Panzer Grizzly Renji Kaga..
.
And finally, two original representatives from Hagun who had withdrawn from the festival, Kikyou Hagure and Botan Hagure..
.
Ikki's eyes opened wide in surprise at their entrance..
.
Did, did all of you came for my sake? Hagure-senpai and everyone else too?.
.
Hehe. Well we arrived early and had nothing to do..
.
...During the training camp, you taught us, so wed like to return the favor..
.
Though were not sure how useful the ones who were KOd the quickest will be..
.
Actually, we were also called upon by Sensei. It was because that procedure looked to have taken a lot of your strength, and it seems to be as bad as she thought..But the people here are of the same calibre as those who entered the tournament. I think we'll be just right as practice opponents..
.
Ikki shook his head at Moroboshis words..
.
Dont even mention things like being just right! Everyone, thank you so much!.
.
Good, good. All of us wanted to try going up against the rumored Worst One once as well..
.
So, what do we do? Before we came here, we also had some mock battles. Should we take a break?.
.
No..
.
Ikki refused Toukas consideration with a single word and once again took upIntetsu..
.
Then, he faced everyone with eyes burning with fighting spirit..
.
Immediately though Please!.
.
His passion instantly spread to everyone..
.
Yessir!!!.
.
As if responding to Ikkis spirit, everyone elses devices manifested..
.
.
.
Guhaa! Th- This is! Poison? Assassination? My Twilight Crusaders! Such an underhanded method!.
.
Ojou-sama is saying This is so bitter!.
.
If bitter is not acceptable, it wouldve been better not to request coffee..
.
They were in a cafe slightly out of the way of the long line to the venue..
.
At the terrace seats, Sara Bloodlily shot an astonished look at Rinna Kazamatsuri, who had coffee dripping from the corners of her mouth..
.
The one who wiped Rinnas mouth with a handkerchief was her attendant, Charlotte Cord..
.
Together with the three girls at their table was one other person..
.
He was an elderly man, dressed stylishly in a suit..
.
It was Japans Prime Minister, Chairman of the school the girls attended, Akatsuki Academys Bakuga Tsukikage..
.
Even so, Sarkuns Color of Magic is truly convenient. Even with so many people around, nobody can see us. Ive always wanted such a convenient power..
.
Even without a special power, something similar can be done..
.
Is that so?.
.
Ikki did it..
.
...That only makes it feel more impossible..
.
Tsukikages wrinkled face twisted into a bitter grin..
.
Sorry, Prime Minister. Could you pass the sugar pot?.
.
Yeah, here..
.
Responding to Charlottes request, he slid the sugar pot near his hand toward Rinna..
.
Rinna blushed shyly at this..
.
Ah, thank you, Oji-sama.
.
While expressing her thanks with a sincere tone, she drew the sugar pot towards using her small hands..
.
However, Rinnas movement stopped there..
.
Without even putting sugar in her coffee, leaving her gaze on the sugar pot in her hands-.
.
...Sorry..
.
In a single word, she remorsefully apologized to Tsukikage..
.
What are you apologizing for?.
.
Every one of us ended up losing.
.
Ah, that..
.
Tsukikage understood Rinnas reason for apologizing..
.
To begin with, Akatsuki Academy was a group of mercenaries gathered via the connections of Tsukikage through one of Rebellion's Numbers, his old friend Kouzou Kazamatsuri, in order to sever the connection between Japan and those who utilize the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, the League of Knights..
.
However, they had been completely eliminated by Hagun Academys Worst One and Crimson Princess..
.
Remorseful over being unable to carry out the duty they had been entrusted with, Rinna had said that..
.
However, Tsukikage hadn't placed any blame upon Rinna..
.
He put his hand on her apologetically drooping head..
.
"Don't worry about it. You all did well. I understand that perfectly.".
.
"But...".
.
"Giving up easily does not befit a politician. If Akatsuki fails, then I will think of a different direction to go in... At that time, if I need you, will you lend me your power again?".
.
While stroking Rinna's head gently, he asked her that..
.
Rinna finally raised her head at this, and with a smile like blooming flowers nodded "Yes!".
.
-It was precisely 'that time.'.
.
"...She's here.".
.
Sara mumbled curtly while focused on the line of people..
.
Everyone gathered at the table responded to her voice by following her gaze..
.
There, in the dense crowd without a single gap in it, without pushing her way through, calmly weaving through the crowd with steps as if walking across an empty field, was a girl..
.
While her long, pure white hair swayed, she stepped directly to the four people who should have been hidden by Color of Magic..
.
Nonetheless the four of them raised no suspicion toward that..
.
For her, it was only natural..
.
That she could see them even when they shouldve been invisible..
.
Someone who could pass through a crowd without any difficulty..
.
Additionally, while doing so, she didnt alert a single person she crossed paths with..
.
Today, the person they had come to wait for-.
.
Its been a while, hasnt it. Sara. Rinna. Char. And also Tsukikage-sensei too..
.
The strongest swordsman in the world, Twin-Wings Edelweiss..
.
.
.
.
.
Thank you for waiting. Here is your blend coffee..
.
Its for her..
.
Thank you..
.
While expressing her gratitude with a friendly smile, Edelweiss pulled the sugar pot to herself..
.
Then she looked at Tsukikage..
.
Thank you for today. For listening to my sudden selfish request..
.
She lowered her head slightly..
.
The selfish reason she mentioned was the reason she was here today..
.
Last night, Edelweiss had contacted Tsukikage..
.
...Wanting to watch the final of the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival..
.
Unexpected, that you would be interested in the battle of someone who is just a student, Ede..
.
Perhaps theres some relationship we dont know about..
.
Fufu, if I remember correctly, when we carried out Operation Beowulf on Hagun Academy, the one who faced Another One was Brynhildr..
.
Be, Beo?.
.
Sara offered an advice to Edelweiss, who tilted her head and was making a bewildered face..
.
Dont think about it too much. Its just Rinnas usual sickness..
.
Ojou-sama is saying When we made the attack on Hagun Academy, she fought Another One..
.
A, Ah. So thats what it was. Yes, its exactly as shes saying..
.
Edelweiss confirmed as she scooped up a spoonful of sugar from the sugar pot..
.
I saw the semifinals on TV. It surprised me to see Ouma lose in such a one-sided fashion, but even more than that, seeing Amane in such a helpless state was beyond my expectations..
.
Amanes childhood and the attachment he had to Ikki because of it..
.
Edelweiss had known about that..
.
Because of that, Amanes existence was an obstacle blocking Ikkis destiny..
.
Thats what shed thought. -However,.
.
He took no notice of him..
.
Hed faced the defeat Amane had thrust at him head on and crushed it for all to see..
.
...Hes an amazing young man. Truly..
.
Thats why you want to watch the finals in person?.
.
Edelweiss nodded at Tsukikages question while adding yet another spoonful of sugar to her coffee..
.
For Crimson Princess it is natural, but Another One as well He is climbing onto our stage. I decided that when I saw he had the willpower to undergo extraordinary training and obtain the physical prowess needed to defy fate that he showed at the semifinals. Thus even I cannot ignore that. Another exciting moment will happen soon. I might cross swords with him again..
.
....
.
More importantly Another party with the same thoughts as mine came here today in order to overcome the menace of the future, we are willing to be audacious..
.
Eh?.
.
When he heard those disquieting words, Tsukikage lifted his gaze from her hands, which were busy scooping a third spoonful of sugar..
.
Edelweiss was looking at the crowd instead of Tsukikage..
.
-Her eyes glinted sharply..
.
Following that dangerous gaze, Tsukikage also noticed..
.
In the crowd, there was a man looking at them astutely through a visor..
.
Thats Americas!.
.
Its not just him. At this place Agents from various factions have already gathered..
.
Edelweiss words made Tsukikage recall a certain scene in his mind..
.
A red and black memory that hed seen..
.
Tokyo, engulfed in flames..
.
The permeating stench of protein being scorched and human fat that stuck to the skin.
.
With fists shaking from fear and anger, Tsukikage informed Edelweiss..
.
Front row box seats have been prepared..
.
Thank you very much..
.
Edelweiss returned a slight bow and put her coffee, which she had just added a fourth spoon of sugar to, to her mouth..
.
Yum..
.
If you cant handle bitter, then it would be better to not order stuff like coffee..
.
.
.
(Too, too strong!).
.
Bukyoku Academys third year and finalist at last years Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, Momiji Asagi, was struck with admiration at the physical prowess of the man she was crossing blades with..
.
As the disciple of God of War Torajirou Nangou, she had confidence in her blade..
.
However, that was exactly why she couldnt help but understand the magnitude of the difference between herself and the warrior in front of her, Another One Ikki Kurogane..
.
Hah!.
.
...!.
.
Countless clashes later, a particularly loud strike rang out and Momiji was sent flying backwards..
.
Her vision went blurry. There, at the edge of the ring, Momiji fell down and exhaled roughly before looking at the trio..
.
The Hagure sisters and Jougasaki, who had already carried out mock battles with Ikki..
.
Ikki had kicked the three around in front of Momiji..
.
He hadnt even been scratched..
.
If this went on, she too would-.
.
Asagi! Show your determination!.
.
Enmaku...!.
.
Responding to Moroboshis encouragement, Momiji deployed a wall of fire in front of her..
.
Frustrating though it might be, she couldnt compete with swordsmanship..
.
She would just have to show her determination by fighting with magic..
.
Thus she switched over. However-.
.
Seya!!!.
.
Her determination was short lived as Ikki cut through her wall with a single shout and a slash..
.
From an overhead stance, Ikki had swungIntetsudown, and by sheer force, blasted away the approaching Enmaku..
.
And at the same time, -Momijis spirit as well..
.
(...).
.
Having cleared Enmaku away, Ikkis eyes shone like a wet blade..
.
Momijis blood ran cold seeing this..
.
Head and chest, mind and body, would be cut apart..
.
Ikki wasnt foolish enough to waste that moment..
.
He closed to space between them now that there was no obstacle-.
.
Fast..
.
Though shed frozen for only an instant, Momiji lost her chance to respond..
.
Clash was now inevitable. No, rather, if there was an ability that could still allow her to evade, it would be the Trackless Step Master Nangou had taught her..
.
(Even if I were to try to enter his blind spot... he doesnt even have one!).
.
Standing against Ikki, Momiji came to a realization..
.
Ikkis discernment was just like her friend Moroboshis Happou Nirami[2], in that it could perceive the entirety of the arena, not overlooking a single movement from the enemy. Her own Trackless Step would not be precise enough to outmaneuver the owner of those eyes..
.
In that case... there was nothing to do but intercept him with her sword..
.
Despite the knot in her stomach, Momiji clad her device,Hibachi, in flame..
.
One hit would be enough..
.
If she just grazed him,Hibachis flames would capture Ikkis whole body like a snake..
.
(Just one stroke!?).
.
However, she was only eager for an instant..
.
She had lost sight of Ikki Kurogane..
.
Crap..
.
Momiji realized in an instant that it was due to Trackless Step..
.
Aku-.
.
But by that point, it was already over..
.
Ikki had passed by Momijis side and cut her torso with his device in illusionary form..
.
That attack had, without a doubt, been a fatal wound, cutting through her stomach all the way to her spine, causing an appropriate amount of strength to drain out of Momiji as a magical red light- Blood Light, which dispersed into the air..
.
One moment later, Momijis body collapsed onto the ground..
.
Ha, ah, !.
.
Sudden fatigue hit her as she was gouged of strength appropriately for an illusionary fatal wound..
.
Despite also feeling a burning pain in her abdomen, Momiji somehow managed to raise her head. Then-.
.
Thank you!.
.
Ikki bowed his head deeply and thanked Momiji..
.
Just as he had done earlier with the other three..
.
Aha, youre welcome I dont feel like I was very useful though..
.
Thats not-.
.
Armor Piercing Bullet-!!!.
.
Hu-???.
.
A deep voice like a cannons roar suddenly interrupted their conversation..
.
While Ikki was facing Momiji, an attack came from directly behind him, aiming for the back of his head- It was Panzer Grizzly Renji Kagas iron palm strike..
.
It was a most unexpected, barbaric surprise attack for a mock battle..
.
Momiji was petrified at this. However-.
.
Ikkis expression didnt even waver..
.
Momiji saw it during that moment..
.
-True at all..
.
After completing his statement towards Momiji, without even an ounce of confusion, Ikki moved half his body, almost casually, and stopped Kagas palm strike with his own palms..
.
His body was nearly twice Ikkis size..
.
The palm strike from the man who boasted weight four times that of Ikkis, didnt even move him a bit..
.
-Impossible..
.
There was a trick to this impossible feat..
.
That trick was in Ikkis feet..
.
As he received the blow, the ground below Ikkis feet sank noticeably, cracking and being crushed..
.
Witnessing that, Kaga understood in an instant..
.
-He had redistributed the force..
.
By moving his whole body and perfectly shifting his center of gravity, Ikki had received the blow and released it into the ground through his legs without having it reverberate in his body at all..
.
Just like a lightning rod..
.
After receiving the surprise attack, Ikki matched the movement of Kagas attempt at retreating and pushed him back using the arm hed received the hit with..
.
(...!).
.
In that instant where he shifted his weight back, more force had been added from the front..
.
With his own weight being so heavy, Kaga was bent backwards greatly-.
.
In that instant,Intetsucut open his robe..
.
Gu, Nuu!.
.
Kagas great body collapsed at the knees and he hit the floor..
.
Towards that Kag.
.
Ah, you! What were you thinking, attacking so suddenly?!.
.
Shizuku shouted angrily..
.
After all, it was an unthinkable thing..
.
He had launched a surprise attack on a fighter who was set to fight that same day, even if it was in Illusionary form..
.
Ikki himself was far calmer..
.
Its fine, Shizuku..
.
O, Onii-sama!?.
.
Then, of all things-.
.
Kagsan. Thank you very much..
.
He thanked Kaga as he had Momiji and the others..
.
For a moment, Kaga stared in puzzlement at this expression, then broke into a broad smile..
.
Gah, hahahaha! On top of not having any weak points, you dont even have a single complaint about a surprise attack, eh. Even though you have a girly mug if you look at it right Being combat ready at all times. It looks like you know that well..
.
Knights were not sportsmen..
.
Therefore, they had to maintain high concentration outside of matches as well..
.
Even when they are walking, sleeping, or eating, they must always keep their senses sharp..
.
They cant afford to be careless..
.
If one became used to slacking off, they would surely fail when it matters..
.
Sometimes, the flow of battle goes to the one who can transition quickly..
.
Going about it in small steps is out of the question..
.
This was all the more true against an opponent whod easily overwhelmed Ouma, whom he had been so powerless against..
.
That was why Kaga decided to attack in the moment when Ikki was preoccupied with Momiji..
.
However-.
.
(Ive been preaching to the choir, at most).
.
To this man, it was a pointless warning..
.
At the same time Kaga realized that, he came to believe it..
.
Youll win! You will!.
.
Kaga thumped Ikkis chest with his fist as he insisted on this..
.
Stella was certainly a formidable enemy. Her attack power was nothing normal..
.
However, Ikki knew how to use and stop force..
.
His special skills shouldnt be outdone by her attack power..
.
Kaga believed this based on what hed witnessed..
.
Ikki smiled at the encouragement..
.
Then, I shall be your next opponent..
.
...!.
.
Ikkis expression stiffened as a wave of numbness ran through his neck..
.
When he turned his head, he saw a girl climbing slowly into the ring with a katana in a black sheath in her hands, Raikiri Touka Toudou..
.
The opponent Ikki had defeated at the finals of Haguns selection tournament..
.
Though their battle had consisted of a single stroke, her strength was vivid in Ikkis memory..
.
She had been in the top 4 last year, falling behind Byakuya and Momiji, but the impression on Ikkis skin was betraying that fact..
.
No doubt she was the best of the members that Moroboshi had assembled..
.
She was a difficult opponent to face with no abilities..
.
What will you do? Including Arisuin-kun, youve fought 5 consecutive battles. Will you take a quick break?.
.
No, dont worry about that..
.
His fighting spirit was overflowing..
.
Ikki wiped away the sweat from his hands and renewed his grip onIntetsu..
.
Please dont hold back!.
.
He raised his sword to point at Touka..
.
.
.
In the instant Ikki raised his sword, Raikiri began to move. From ten meters away, she unsheathedNarukamiand fired a crescent slash formed of lightning towards Ikki..
.
The golden lightning charged at Ikki like a bird with wings spread open..
.
It was the same long ranged attack she had used against Lorelei, the Noble Art Raiou..
.
However, while it was a quick opening strike, it was made from a considerable distance..
.
Far from distressing Ikki at all, he immediately took an evasive maneuver..
.
Namely, he took a big sidestep to the right..
.
It was a style of moving that hed learned from Twin-Wings using his Blade Steal. That was how he managed to evade so easily at high speed as soon as he raised his heel..
.
Truthfully, it didnt pose a threat to him..
.
However, the moment Ikki dodged the first attack, Touka launched a follow-up Raiou right at him..
.
The technique he had just dodged so easily was launched again..
.
Of course, that one didnt reach Ikki either..
.
With a leap in the opposite direction, Ikki evaded that as well..
.
As expected, it didnt even graze him..
.
Even so, Touka fired a third Raiou..
.
Was she just being stubborn?.
.
Of course not..
.
Touka had a reason for her actions.
.
(This is!).
.
As expected of Toudou. After watching his match with me, she has recognized his weak point..
.
Murmuring this with a spirit of admiration was Moroboshi, who was watching their battle from the sidelines..
.
Onii-samas weak point?.
.
Well, more accurately, its a flaw in that technique. Its a technique hes been using since his match with me, a technique he took from Twin-Wings using Blade Steal where he uses all of the muscles in his body simultaneously to accelerate rapidly to top speed. Most people cannot follow such acceleration with their eyes. That being said, constantly moving at full speed is.
.
Ah.
.
Once said, Shizuku realized as well..
.
Since earlier, Touka had been unleashing Raiou left and right in order to force Ikki to dodge in different directions constantly..
.
I get it. When moving at full speed constantly, its difficult to make sudden stops and turns. All that switching makes puts excessive strain on his lower body. Dodging will slowly become more difficult, and eventually hell get caught..
.
Moroboshis prediction was coming true up in the ring..
.
While Ikki had avoided the first two by a good margin, that margin started shrinking, and the amount of near misses began to rise..
.
Ikki should also understand Toukas intention, though. If he stays on the defensive, hell just remain pinned down from long range..
.
Ikki started to change his movements, just as Moroboshi predicted..
.
He stopped his sideways evasion, faced the scattered Raiou strikes aimed at him, and started running..
.
Just as he was about to take a direct hit, he dropped to the ground like a crawling animal to get past the Raiou..
.
Wow..!.
.
Hes doing the unthinkable as usual. Passing through a gap like that!.
.
Its possible because its Onii-sama!.
.
Once he slipped through that, he was in range to cross swords..
.
It was close range..
.
Having closed the range so much, Ikki could now launch attacks as well..
.
Both of them moved so quickly that only the trails left by their swords were visible..
.
Touka fought back well, but no longer had any opportunity to resheathe her blade..
.
And when Touka is unable to sheathe her blade, she cannot bring out the strongest close range noble art she boasts, Raikiri..
.
(This is good!).
.
Ikki thought this while carrying out an orthodox Raikiri countermeasure..
.
Ikki understood the power of Raikiri from personal experience..
.
Only by using Ittou Rasetsu to put his all into one daring strike was he able to overcome Raikiri before..
.
Since he was preparing for a match with Stella, he would be unable to use such abilities. In order to beat Touka, he had to first ensure that she could not use Raikiri..
.
If it was used on him, he would lose right then and there..
.
Thus in that manner, he would pressure her with swordplay and suppress Raikiri..
.
(Ive got this! My swing speed is faster!).
.
Though Toukas attacks were sharp as well, they were a far cry from Ikkis, which mirrored those of Twin-Wings..
.
As long as it didnt come to a sword lock, he shouldnt have to worry about being shocked either..
.
(At this rate, I can overwhelm her!).
.
Ikki made up his mind. He shifted forward again and put his power into the sword..
.
Then, suddenly, he struck out like a flying swallow and forced ToukasNarukamito the side..
.
(Alright, shes off balance!).
.
After exchanging blows with Touka, he had finished measuring the speed of her swings..
.
With her sword pushed to such a position, she would not be able to block his strike..
.
Next, Ikki would-.
.
(Ive got her here! Its decided!).
.
Believing so, Ikki struck forward again-.
.
Rather, he tried to..
.
(!?!?).
.
Immediately after, a sharp numbness ran up his neck..
.
It was sixth sense hed honed by toeing the line between life and death so many times warning him..
.
At this warning, Ikki's body ignored his previous assumption and moved- Touka's sword had moved faster than Ikki's expectation and, just barely, had managed to return to defend..
.
(Thats crazy!).
.
Based on Toukas swing speed, the speed of that counter was impossible..
.
Ikki gulped in astonishment..
.
What on earth was that?.
.
Ikki thought about the unexpected counterattack..
.
However, Touka wasnt about to wait around for Ikki to think..
.
NarukamiandIntetsuclashed once again..
.
From the contact point, Touka channeled an electrical attack into Ikki..
.
...Ah!.
.
Zap! Sparks crackled betweenNarukamiandIntetsuas electricity ran through Ikki..
.
Though his skin wasnt burned thanks to Illusionary form, receiving a shock made his muscles spasm intensely and cry out in pain..
.
In the end, his movements were stopped instantly..
.
Touka took aim at this opportunity-!.
.
She raisedNarukamioverhead nimbly, and struck down at Ikki..
.
However, Ikki had baited that attack out..
.
(She's flustered!).
.
Just as Touka began her strike, Ikki steeled his writhing body..
.
Using the full body control he had cultivated, he took control of his heart and forcibly restored function to his peripheral nervous system..
.
Recovering from the shock in that instant, Ikki avoided the strike towards his head with the smallest possible sidestep..
.
Thinking that the shock had immobilized him, his opponent had gone for a finishing blow..
.
It was a move made after seeing through Touka's thoughts, outplaying her thoroughly..
.
That was Ikki's chance-or it should have been..
.
"Ku!?!?".
.
Once again, Ikki's predictions were overturned by Touka's blade..
.
This time, having sidesteppedNarukami, Ikki did not need to lock swords with Touka, which prevented her from using the same move again. Their close range battle continued in this manner..
.
Ikki would have to rethink his close range tactics from square one..
.
Despite being able to clearly surpass her swing speed, he could not land a decisive blow on Touka..
.
Moreover, Ikki was slowly starting to fall behind..
.
The cause must be.
.
(This switching around!).
.
Ikki saw it in her movements while being pressured..
.
Toukas blade would strike out with the sharpness of the legendary sword technique Swallow Counter, then return with unnatural speed, leaving a trail like a flash of lightning..
.
Squeezed into the moments between blows, these strikes threw off Ikkis rhythm..
.
This was the technique Touka Toudou had polished in order to win at this years tournament. By creating a special magnetic field around her, she could use electromagnetic attraction and repulsion to move her sword at speeds exceeding the limits of her body. It was her Noble Art, Inazuma, devised as a counter to Yuudai Moroboshis superhuman technique, Houkiboshi..
.
The burden on the wrist made it impossible to use it haphazardly, but by occasionally mixing it in while trading blows, she could interrupt her opponents rhythm. Once their rhythm was interrupted, forcing them back was simple!.
.
Aha!.
.
Ku!.
.
Touka lunged at Ikkis chest..
.
In order to avoid the blow, Ikki threw himself backwards, ending up outside of engagement range..
.
He escaped with his tail between his legs..
.
Onii-sama!.
.
Ikki had been forced out of his comfortable range..
.
Shizuku realized this and let her worry show, while on the side Moroboshis expression hardened..
.
It was only natural. Ikki knew well the close range superiority of Twin-Wings' sword, which he had learned. That being said, someone had pushed it back..
.
(This girl is... powerful. She cant be compared to herself from last year.).
.
Not intending to let Ikki get away, Touka stayed hot on his heels, keeping up the pursuit..
.
.
.
(Kurogane-kun. Your sword sword skills are certainly amazing. When I saw your match with Moroboshi-san on TV, I got goosebumps. Your techniques dont even seem human. However!).
.
That much was expected of Blazers..
.
It was incredible that Ikki had gotten this far on physical skill alone..
.
However, that was a product of Ikkis circumstances, having not been blessed in terms of Blazer power..
.
Touka and other Blazers hadnt needed such single minded focus on martial artistry in order to reach this point..
.
If they simply used their magic power along with their abilities, then surpassing an ordinary person was no big deal..
.
His skill alone would not be enough..
.
With sword techniques that merely surpassed average people....
.
(Forget Stellsan, he cant even handle me!).
.
Gah!?.
.
In response to Toukas fierce attack, Ikki stayed on the defensive..
.
Beyond avoiding clashing, Ikki was forced to constantly retreat..
.
In the end, that turned out badly for him..
.
Ah!?!.
.
Suddenly, while jumping away, Ikkis balance wavered..
.
What had happened?.
.
The answer was under his feet..
.
Shizuku and the other spectators looked on with dismay..
.
(Thats what was left behind when he took Kagsans attack!).
.
(No way! His foot got caught in the cracked part of the ring! An attack is coming, Ikki!).
.
(...No, this is-).
.
Haaaaaaaaaaah!!!.
.
As Arisuin expected, Touka took the opportunity and attacked with all her spirit and might..
.
Having caught his foot in the broken ring, Ikkis balance was off and he was not able to defend. However, with a dull Gagi! the two returned to having their swords locked..
.
Of course, Touka followed that with a lightning blast..
.
Bzzt!.
.
With a soft bursting sound accompanied by sparks, Ikkis right arm and upper body snapped back from the shock. Touka saw a decisive opening..
.
(This is it!).
.
Touka decided to unleash her trump card..
.
Touka had already seen Ikkis resilience towards electrocution earlier..
.
A mere slash would simply be dodged. However, even if he were to dodge Raikiri, her supersonic blade would hit Ikki with a blast through the air..
.
At close range, the damage from receiving that would be able to take down any single human..
.
There was no reason to hesitate..
.
Believing this, Touka returnedNarukamito its scabbard..
.
Eh!?!?.
.
To be more accurate, she tried to..
.
However, she was unable to..
.
Why? Well, the reason was inNarukamis scabbard..
.
Right at the opening of the scabbard and the tip of the sword, preventing the sword from returning to the scabbard, was a small chip from the broken ring!.
.
(!!!).
.
In that moment, Touka realized that she had been trapped..
.
Ikkis foot had not gotten caught on the broken part of the ring..
.
In order to kick up a shard from the ring, he had stuck his foot in a crack. Then, while he was bending back due to the electric shock, he launched the shard into the gap betweenNarukamiand its scabbard..
.
This prevented the resheathing of the sword, leaving Touka defenseless..
.
Ka, H.
.
In that instant, Ikki finished recovering from the shock and cut Touka at the throat..
.
.
.
After receiving such a fatal wound, Touka felt that she was about to lose her consciousness and collapse..
.
However, with sheer force of will, she managed to stay on one knee and addressed the victorious Ikki..
.
To think that Raikiri would be defeated in such a manner.
.
Its a surprise attack that will only ever work once, though..
.
Touka smiled bitterly..
.
Using a shard from the ring to block her scabbard was definitely a surprise. She wouldnt let it happen again..
.
However, reading her intent to use Raikiri and then using the damage to the ring was nothing short of creative..
.
Even during their fierce sword fight, hed had the ability to nonchalantly lead her to a predetermined location..
.
Most impressively, he had completely deceived her ability to directly read intentions from biological signals in order to get his plan past her, taking decisive action without letting her realize anything..
.
Without a doubt, that was the power of Ikkis experience..
.
Ikkis strength definitely consisted of more than just swordplay..
.
He had widened her view. He was constantly thinking about the best way to win..
.
(Ive been thinking only about sword techniques this whole time.).
.
Amazing. Even though I came to help you train, I ended up learning from you instead..
.
Learning from me? Im only fighting this way because I cant afford to reveal my hand Toudou-san. Thank you for having this match with me..
.
Oh, dont men-.
.
Alright, alright. Its very Japanese of you to be throwing thanks around, but face me, Ikki..
.
Something hard prodded Ikki in the back with an audible thunk..
.
It was Moroboshis device,Torou..
.
That was an interesting path to victory you took, though Im not surprised. After all, you turned the tables on me in similar fashion, didnt you?.
.
Ikki turned his attention from Touka to Moroboshi and nodded slightly..
.
That I did. You and I have a similarly sneaky way of thinking..
.
Haha. Of course. Im a merchant from Naniwa..
.
Even while he laughed deeply at Ikkis jesting, Moroboshi flippedTorouaround, pointing its tip at Ikki..
.
I will be the last. Since you have a match today, I will not use Tiger Bite, hehe. Ill tire you out in a good way. Ill take this opportunity to pay you back for the first round. Are you ready?.
.
Moroboshi wore a boorish grin on his face..
.
However, even as he played with his expression and words, the fire in his eyes was honest..
.
Even while feeling thankful for the warm feelings Ikki saw flickering in Moroboshis eyes, he raised his sword..
.
Lets do this..
.
.
.
It was time for a mock battle with Moroboshi. The beginning proved much calmer than his battle with Touka..
.
It was natural, as Ikki and Moroboshi were knights with similar styles at heart..
.
He wouldnt engage in long range combat with magic the way Touka had..
.
Basically, until he entered spear range, he wouldnt attack..
.
(At least, thats what Id like to think, but he seems like he might throw his spear.).
.
Even though Moroboshi hadnt entered spear range, Ikki could not let his guard down at all..
.
While paying meticulous attention, Ikki circled around Moroboshi..
.
All that time, Moroboshis gaze never left Ikki..
.
Torou, which had been lowered, tracked Ikkis heart with its tip..
.
(Facing him again, the pressure really is incredible.).
.
There was no point at which he could break into Moroboshis range..
.
(I dont think I can use speed to disturb his zone like I did in the tournaments first round.).
.
Ikki reasoned this out..
.
He was referring to how close his victory against Moroboshi in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival had been..
.
That victory had been less through true power and more about a surprise attack. Moroboshi hadnt known enough about Ikki, which let Ikki get a major cut in on him before his eyes had gotten used to Ikkis speed..
.
The bleeding from that cut had lowered his oxygen circulation. With his eyesight weakened by that, Moroboshi had been unable to follow Ikkis sudden acceleration..
.
However, Moroboshi was different now..
.
He was in perfect condition, and moreover, he now knew about Ikkis use of Twin-Wings' style..
.
Relying on speed to attack such an opponent was dangerous..
.
(However-).
.
Right, even so, in the end, it was the same as in his match with Touka..
.
Dangerous or not, Ikki did not have many options to choose from..
.
He had his own fighting distance. Take the battle to the range of a sword, and cut them down..
.
Besides that, he had no other way of fighting..
.
That said.
.
(Hes scary.).
.
Moroboshis pressure was certainly strong..
.
However, if he flinched from just this, he would never be able to approach Stella..
.
If there was no hope of victory given by his opponent,.
.
(I must go, without fear!).
.
Ikki steeled his heart and accelerated, running up to Moroboshi..
.
In response, Moroboshi took a deep breath..
.
...!.
.
As Ikki stepped into his spears range, Moroboshi unleashed three lethal thrusts towards him in the blink of an eye..
.
It was Moroboshis high speed strike, Sanrensei..
.
Ikki took them on with lightning-like slashes, which left only afterimages in his vision..
.
The downpour of steel was like that of falling stars..
.
He pushed forward, trying to cut through, but.
.
(This is!).
.
Try as he might, he could not advance..
.
Countless Sanrensei strikes rained down in a flurry..
.
The speed and density of the strikes were beyond comparing with those in the previous match..
.
Even using Twin-Wings' technique, he could just barely repel the strikes..
.
Are you surprised? Kurogane..
.
...!.
.
During the tournament, I was using Sanrensei as bait for Tiger Bite. You prepared to enter my range by depending on your speed. However, if I dont mix in Houkiboshi, dont use Tiger Bite, and focus on speed, even I am capable of this much. If you can get through, then show me!.
.
Ku.
.
His voice was full of confidence..
.
He was by no means overestimating his own ability..
.
Slipping through Moroboshis thrusts would be no easy matter..
.
(There are no gaps during which I could recover. This is not like Sanrensei so much as it is a meteor shower.).
.
The downpour of steel like a falling star had no gaps..
.
Put simply, stepping into range would be impossible..
.
That being the case, Ikki used a technique..
.
It was his technique where he moved left and right at a high pace, generating afterimages to deceive his foe..
.
Fourth Secret Sword- Shinkirou. It was the technique that had caused Moroboshi grief during the tournament..
.
With this, Ikki would press Moroboshi to choose between-.
.
Dont underestimate me!.
.
!?.
.
Ikkis shallow plan was crushed in an instant..
.
Ikki used Shinkirou to send an afterimage right while he moved to the left, but in that instant, Torou bent with deceptive agility, adjusting its trajectory to follow the real Ikki..
.
Ikki managed to turn the attack with a hairs breadth of space..
.
Oraaa!!!.
.
Ku, oof!.
.
Moroboshi used all his strength to strike atIntetsuwhen Ikki blocked, sending Ikkis body flying to the edge of the ring..
.
Moroboshi then smiled daringly at Ikki, who just managed to break the fall..
.
If you try to create illusions, Ill have my spear in you in an instant. I already know the movements you use to set up that technique. Dont think you can get the same move past a first class fighter like me again. Thats naive of you..
.
...Eh? Didnt it work twice, Botan-chan?.
.
Yeah, thats why he lost in the first round..
.
So hes second-rate..
.
Sh-shut up! Onlookers stay quiet!.
.
Moroboshi objected to their disruption..
.
Even then, he remained vigilant towards Ikki..
.
It seemed obvious that he would; Ikki was grasping his sword strongly as if to say it wouldnt be over after just that..
.
(I still have a way to get out of spear range!).
.
Ikki rushed at Moroboshi for the second time..
.
Youre incorrigible! That said, even if youre caught, this is your only way, huh!.
.
Moroboshi prepared to combat this approach from spear distance again..
.
He wasted no energy while Ikki was out of range, but the moment Ikki entered his zone, he swooped in like a raging fire..
.
Fundamentally, Moroboshi preferred this kind of patient spear technique..
.
Thats what Ikki decided to aim for..
.
The first blow Moroboshi would put out as he approached..
.
(Ill hit his interception with Dokuga no Tachi!).
.
He raised his sword diagonally above his head. His sixth secret sword- Dokuga no Tachi..
.
It sends shockwaves into the enemy through the Device, attacking them from the inside..
.
It was an attack that passed through weapons..
.
Unlike Shinkirou, he hadnt shown this technique to Moroboshi..
.
Therefore, the first attack should definitely get by-.
.
What might this be?.
.
...?.
.
Ikki was left astonished the instant his Dokuga no Tachi interceptedTorou..
.
Moroboshi had quickly withdrawn his spear..
.
Then, aiming at Ikki, who was full of openings after being faked out, he struck out again..
.
As if Id take such a poisoned strike!.
.
Ku, Uoooooo!!!.
.
Immediately after, that light of strength leaving someone, Blood Light, danced in the air..
.
Moroboshis strike had caught Ikki..
.
However, it had not been a serious wound..
.
It had only slightly scratched his side..
.
To pull that off, Ikki had used the hilt ofIntetsuto strike the blade ofTorouand turn its trajectory..
.
He then promptly escaped out of spear range..
.
Skillful as usual..
.
What makes you say it was poisoned? You should not have seen this technique before..
.
Its because you left your weight behind unnaturally. I just got a bad feeling from that..
.
...I see..
.
Ikki laughed bitterly at that..
.
Even though hed intended to make an opening, somehow thered been another oversight..
.
He suddenly understood then..
.
(Tactics that expect mistakes from the enemy wont work on this man.).
.
Perhaps it was due to the lack of tension during a mock battle, but Moroboshi's concentration had too few holes..
.
He had been in a natural stance this whole time, leaving no openings to attack..
.
In that case There was only one thing left to do..
.
Having decided thus, Ikki broughtIntetsuinto Seigan no Kamaeand focused on Moroboshi with both eyes..
.
---.
.
Moroboshi observed Ikkis gaze and stance..
.
Whats that? The nature of his pressure has changed..
.
Moroboshis veteran 6th sense immediately sensed something..
.
(His back foot is well planted. He cant dash effectively from that stance.).
.
Just as Moroboshi had judged, Ikkis third approach was different from those until now; this time he approached slowly..
.
Without changing from Seigan no Kamae[3], Ikki shuffled forwards slowly, feet never leaving the ground..
.
Whats wrong? If you move at such a turtle-like pace, youll be filled with holes the moment you get in range..
.
---.
.
Ikki showed no response to Moroboshis provocation..
.
Ignoring him-that wasnt quite it..
.
(Hes simply not listening. He cant even hear me.).
.
After looking at Ikkis eyes, he understood..
.
He wouldnt respond to sound..
.
With his eyes focused on Moroboshi, he would just slowly advance and close the gap..
.
(When focus exceeds normal limits, you become unable to hear anything around you, and also become unable to perceive color. Ive experienced being in that zone before...).
.
Well, if it was the man before him, he could probably enter that state intentionally..
.
The problem was, what was he thinking, using that focus?.
.
With such slow movements, what was he trying to start?.
.
Finally, Ikkis toes encroached upon Moroboshis domain..
.
(Tch, Im so confused! But what I have to do doesnt change!).
.
Moroboshi made his move..
.
Focusing on speed, he unleashed a violent storm of steel..
.
Ikki blocked it in the same way as before, withIntetsuflying in to deflect the spear..
.
The sound of weapons clashing. The rain of sparks. It was exactly the same as earlier..
.
!?!?.
.
Moroboshi felt it in the hand wieldingToroufirst..
.
There was an abnormal weight coming from this opponent..
.
It felt like a massive tree rooted in the earth..
.
No matter how many times he struck, Ikki would not back off like he had earlier..
.
He didnt dodge horizontally either..
.
With his eyes fixed on Moroboshi, he advanced straight forwards, bit by bit. Only forwards..
.
...!.
.
Seeing his form, Moroboshi understood Ikkis idea..
.
(This guy, he didnt have a specific plan or anything! He cut off nonessential senses, lowered strength spent on things other than movement as much as possible, and put all his focus into his sword! Ill put my all into my blade and break through with all my strength!).
.
He wasnt an opponent you could get past with a half hearted plan and a cheap trick..
.
Knowing that, he would meet the blade that Ikki honed with his all..
.
Ikki understood his own weakness, and made use of everything before his eyes for victory..
.
Contrary to that, when it mattered, he had the courage to trust in his own strength..
.
At a glance, these two seem contradictory..
.
The one who united them was Worst One Ikki Kurogane..
.
He is aware of his weakness..
.
Despite that, he believes that he can be stronger than anyone..
.
To achieve this, he does everything he can..
.
That everything resides in the black blade he grasped in both hands..
.
Therefore, Ikki Kurogane would no longer back down. He would no longer run..
.
If it was himself, it was possible..
.
Believing that, he advanced slowly, but surely, towards Yuudai Moroboshi..
.
This was no last stand. Nor was it a desperate attack..
.
Absolute Victory. He held such a conviction..
.
His pressure was fierce..
.
Guh!?.
.
He overwhelmed Moroboshi soundly, driving him into a corner of the rectangular arena..
.
Awesome, Onii-sama! To drive that Moroboshi-san against a wall head on!.
.
Forwards, slowly, but surely. He did it through incredible pressure..
.
Yeah. That said Kurogane-kuns stance is also amazing..
.
What are you talking about?.
.
Against Moroboshi-san, without being shifted laterally or front-to-back, he maintained a straight trajectory. It makes it hard on the attacker. Anyway, he guarded with his blade well centered in Seigan no Kamae and made it difficult to attack, and his opponent did not change his stance at all, continuously aiming for a fatal strike at the same place, from the same angle. He inevitably ended up repeating the same motion. As a result-.
.
Right after that, red light fluttered in the ring..
.
It was Blood Light spilling from Ikkis limbs..
.
It was just a graze, though..
.
And surely enough, Moroboshi also understood the result that Touka pointed out..
.
(Ive shown too much motion! Hes optimizing his strength and approach to repel me!).
.
Precisely. If one ends up repeating the same attack, then youll end up exposing it..
.
The power, angle, and speed necessary to deflect the enemy was all shown in detail..
.
And now Ikki had analyzed it and optimized..
.
While avoiding any fatal wounds, Ikki used the minimum defence necessary, contracting his defensive movements as much as he could, making his attack and defense stronger than before, and stepping into Moroboshis zone..
.
Forwards. Powerfully. Quickly..
.
Moroboshi-san lost his patience after being backed into a corner. Hes attacking unreasonably out of impatience!.
.
That was Toukas prediction..
.
Come no closer!.
.
It came true in the next instant..
.
Moroboshi sent a single flashing strike flying towards Ikki..
.
Because of his impatience, he sent his elbow too far to return easily, making it a sloppy thrust..
.
Without any spirit put into it, the strike lacked power and aim..
.
!!!.
.
Ikki didnt overlook that..
.
Shit-.
.
By the time Moroboshi realized his misplay, it was too late..
.
Ikki stepped forwards with the sloppy thrust, letting his own shoulder be pierced..
.
Using his own body he trappedTorou, denying Moroboshi any counterattack..
.
Haaaaaa!!!.
.
WithToroustuck in his shoulder, he broke into Moroboshis space and thrust his blade into his heart..
.
.
.
Damn Lost again!.
.
Moroboshi cried as his heart was pierced, and with his strength drained he collapsed on the floor spread eagled..
.
Damnit I thought Id be able to win this time, too..
.
At the real match this wouldnt do.
.
Ikkis words, spoken while gasping for air, were not born of humility..
.
In reality, the fight just now Moroboshi had, worrying about Ikki who had low magic power, held back Tiger Bite. He couldnt go all out on the contestant who was about to go into a big match. Even in that state, they had devoted as much power as they could..
.
Ikki knew this after crossing swords with him..
.
So, with Moroboshi included, Ikki once again thanked all his friends who had gathered today..
.
Moroboshi-san. Everyone else as well. I am truly thankful. I have gained valuable experience before my match with Stella..
.
I dont need thanks. You can return this favor by returning as the champion..
.
Isnt that a little unreasonable?.
.
Are you not confident?.
.
Moroboshi asked Ikki while sitting up, and after a brief silence, Ikki nodded slightly..
.
Honestly, I think this fight is going to be the toughest thing Ive done in my life. I cant say Im confident But Ill give it everything I have..
.
That wont do, you big idiot..
.
Moroboshi prodded Ikki in the head withTorous hilt..
.
Then he spoke in a chiding tone..
.
This is the stage youve always aimed for. You cant take it with such half hearted feelings. No matter how strong your opponent was, you must always enter the ring believing that you will win, 100%. Even if you dont have confidence, force it out. You can think about losing after you lose. If you end up losing, thats all youll be able to think about anyway..
.
Moroboshi-san.
.
If you still dont feel confident, Ill stick with you until you do. So, do me a favor and dont say such a pitiful thing..
.
Everyone gathered there today for Ikki silently agreed with Moroboshis sentiment..
.
They all had the same expectations as Moroboshi..
.
If youll go that far for me, Ill take you up on your offer. Will you accompany me a little longer?.
.
Hehe, then, how about we go again after a rest?.
.
Yeah, sure-.
.
With a heavy scraping sound, the training areas fire exit opened..
.
!!!.
.
A cold, wintry wind blew in and brushed against everyone inside..
.
They all noticed immediately..
.
This was not cold air, but that crisp swordsmanship that made one get the chills..
.
At least someone in there recognized that aura..
.
Could it be?.
.
Thinking that, they turned to the door..
.
What is it? Every one of you looks dumbfounded..
.
With eyes as sharp as those of a bird of prey, glaring at all present, was a tall man with long hair..
.
Sword Emperor of Wind, Ouma Kurogane, stood there..
.
O, Ouma!?.
.
Why are you!?.
.
Nobody was able to hide their surprise at the unexpected newcomer..
.
Ouma saw this and tossed the sack hed been carrying on his shoulder onto the floor..
.
Im here for the same reason most of you are. I got a text asking for a training partner before the finals..
.
Eh, er, is that so? Onii-sama..
.
Shizuku looked back at Ikki in surprise, who nodded..
.
What he said was true..
.
Besides Moroboshi and Touka, he had also contacted Ouma..
.
Of course, he had only done it because there was no harm in trying..
Ouma had never acted for Ikkis sake before, after all..
.
I didnt think that you would actually come, so I cant help but be surprised..
.
Its only because Im free, since I had planned to fight in the finals. Also I thought that Id see your power myself..
.
My power?.
.
After all, its F-rank vs rank. Your defeat is all but decided by the fate. I have no interest in such a spectacle. Its just To have even survived with such a meager power, until you were able to stand in front of that dragon It is my duty as your older brother to beat the dullness out of you before you are killed..
.
Oumas whole body then welled up with wind magic, which he focused into his right hand, manifesting his device, the nodachiRyuuzume..
.
...!.
.
When he manifestedRyuuzume, the aura he emitted became much sharper..
.
Shizuku felt disquieted, and immediately moved in front of Ikki as if to protect him..
.
No- More accurately, she tried to..
.
However, Ikki stopped her by putting his hand on her shoulder..
.
Even as Shizukus eyes shook with worry, Ikki told her Its alright, and stood in front of Ouma..
.
Thank you for coming. Brother..
.
Cut the idle chatter and prepare already. Im not here to chit-chat..
.
(As usual, not even a hint of friendliness.).
.
Even as he smiled wryly, just by feeling the pressure he felt just from standing in front of Ouma, he found himself in awe..
.
(Amazing).
.
He had felt the intimidating aura the first time they had faced each other..
.
Oumas body seemed twice as big..
.
It was clear that he was a cut above fighters like Moroboshi and Touka..
.
Ikkis palms began to sweat..
.
However, the thought of backing down didnt even occur to him..
.
After all there was some truth in what Ouma said. If he couldnt fight off Ouma, then he had no chance of prevailing against Stella..
.
Might as well start praying then..
.
For the purpose of forcing life back into Ikki when he was feebly panicking in fear of Stella, there was no better opponent..
.
Ikki shook off the sweat from his palms once, and took upIntetsuin his grasp once again..
.
Lets do this!.
.
.
.
Ouma made the first move as the start was announced..
.
With his kimono sleeves fluttering, he moved to close the distance to Ikki directly..
.
Ikki was not idle, however..
.
He kicked off the floor to meet Ouma..
.
Of course, he wasnt foolish enough to simply attack Ouma straight on like that..
.
He knew what kind of superhuman physical endurance and strength Oumas mad training had granted him..
.
Therefore-.
.
Thats!.
.
Moroboshi, watching from the sides, noticed..
.
The instant Ikki entered the nodachis range, he changed his step, adding sudden changes to his speed..
.
Moroboshi knew that technique well..
.
Ikki used those movements to confuse his opponents vision and create afterimages..
.
It was the Shinkirou he spread around him..
.
And, according to Ikkis plan, Ouma snapped at the afterimages..
.
With one breath he swungRyuuzumedown from above as if cutting bamboo, cutting Ikki in half..
.
However, he had cut an afterimage..
.
As a result, he exposed himself to a flank from the real Ikki..
.
"He got him!".
.
Moroboshi clenched his fist upon seeing Ikki take the initiative..
.
Next to him though, Raikiri was squinting while taking her glasses off..
.
No, not quite..
.
She pointed out a mistake in Moroboshis analysis..
.
Ouma knew his next move from the signals his body gave him..
.
!!!.
.
Without bringing his lowered blade back up, he took a low, diagonal swing..
.
Using that force, Ouma rammed Ikki with his shoulder..
.
Shoulder charge! He even read through Shinkirou!.
.
Ikki usedIntetsu, which he was going to attack with, to block instead..
.
However, Ouma was heavier than he looked..
.
The shock of a nearly five hundred kilogram mans ramming attack was easily lethal..
.
...!.
.
With the low sound of two people colliding, Ikkis body was pushed back and he stumbled backwards with his balance destroyed..
.
Ouma swooped down on Ikki like a raging fire..
.
Without giving Ikki any time to recover his stance, he fired off several slashes and stabs..
.
Fast..
.
It approached Moroboshis Sanrensei in speed..
.
Without taking a breath, he fired off 10, 20, an endless barrage of attacks..
.
Such astounding rotation-Shizuku recognized it..
.
Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Retsu no kiwami Amatsukaze...[4]!.
.
What the heck is that?.
.
Its a secret technique within the Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu style passed through the generations in the Kurogane family. Its a continuous 108 strike combination..
.
From the first strike to the 108th, everything from the angle and power of each strike was tuned for efficiency..
.
By repeating them over and over countless times and carving them to his very core, he was able to abolish all thoughts and bring out the fastest speed that his flesh and blood body could handle. It was meant to crush the opponent with an overwhelming number of strikes..
.
Theres no better technique than this to defeat someone whose stance has been broken!.
.
But if Im not mistaken, didnt Ikki grow strong by stealing the techniques of others? In which case he should definitely know of a technique passed among the Kurogane, shouldnt he?.
.
...I dont know. All of this talk is over my head. But even if he does, with just that he cant do anything about this assault..
.
Just as Shizuku said, in the face of Oumas overwhelming speed, Ikki could not even bringIntetsuto face the attacks. He had to do everything he could just to dodge Oumas fierce onslaught. He definitely wouldnt be able to turn the attack in this situation..
.
Bringing about such a situation was the point of Amatsukaze, after all..
.
With almost excessively optimized constant attacks, it held down the enemy, preventing them from taking any actions..
.
Now, Ikki was completely stuck in that situation..
.
Thats how it seemed, looking from outside..
.
However-.
.
(Hes waiting for something...).
.
Even as Ikki was being overwhelmed by Oumas strikes, Touka Toudou saw a glint of cleverness in Ikkis eyes..
.
He was being neither held down nor overwhelmed..
.
He was waiting for something..
.
That something was an opening in Amatsukaze..
.
No matter how much time had gone into developing such a technique, in the end, it was created by humans..
.
Creating something perfect was impossible..
.
And if it was anything short of perfect, Ikkis penetrating insight wouldnt miss it..
.
It wasn't a first sighting either, especially since it was the Kurogane style, which hed spent the most time watching..
.
---.
.
Suddenly, a particularly sharp sound rang out, and the situation changed..
.
After that sound, the one who was thrown off balance was Ouma..
.
Ikki had pulled out his seventh secret sword, Raikou..
.
It was a technique with such speed that, before he had grasped what hed stolen from Twin-Wings, he hadnt been able to discern its swing by sight..
.
Worst Ones fastest strike had been further refined by Twin-Wings' swordsmanship, and in the instant between Sword Emperor of Winds Amatsukazes fifty-seventh and fifty-eighth strike, Ikki cut in with a strike toRyuuzumes side, ruining the combination..
.
After he disrupted the combination, Ikki launched a full body attack at Ouma, whose stance had been broken..
.
It was a slash with all his weight thrown behind it..
.
Moroboshi noticed something in that motion..
.
(The way hes using his weight is just like the time he fought me.).
.
It was his sixth secret sword-Dokuga no Tachi..
.
Whether it strikes sword or armor, the opponent would be destroyed from within starting at the point of contact..
.
Using this technique, he could render Oumas steel body meaningless..
.
Not knowing that, Ouma took Ikkis attack without blocking or dodging, accepting it with his tempered body..
.
His body was attacked from within as if it were a bag of water..
.
The shock that entered Ouma had nowhere to escape, and so it ran over his muscles, bones, and organs-.
.
Tenryuugusoku.
.
...!.
.
The shock should have hit him, but Ouma looked like he didnt even care..
.
Dokuga no Tachi had not failed..
.
The vibrations from his blade had definitely made it to Ouma..
.
However, Ouma had not been moved..
.
That was, in short, what made Ouma Kurogane a terror..
.
He had a force of will that transcended flesh..
.
He hadnt spared any effort, realizing his resolution with steel-like sense of purpose..
.
Half-hearted attacks would not even be noticed..
.
Far from crying out in pain, without swaying even a little, hed clad his body in the stormy armor Tenryuugusoku..
.
Then, Ouma reached pastIntetsu, which had been touching his chest, and sent Ikki flying back..
.
Ikkis body tumbled in the air like hed been hit by a car..
.
Aiming for his landing spot, Ouma swungRyuuzumehorizontally from where he was..
.
With the sharp sound of cutting through air, he released a vacuum blade..
.
It flew towards Ikkis landing spot, with just the right trajectory to strike Ikkis neck..
.
However, Ikki ended up deciding not to evade..
.
Fu..
.
Ikki took the impact of the landing by sinking into his knees, lowering his body..
.
He bent as far as he could, then released the energy coiled in his lower body..
.
With enough power to gouge the ring, he kicked the ground and thrustIntetsus tip at the incoming vacuum blade..
.
First secret sword-Saigeki..
.
Within Another Ones original sword techniques, it boasted the fastest charging speed and the strongest penetration. With that thrust, Ikki met the vacuum blade head on and destroyed it with all his strength, sending the force right back at Ouma like an arrow..
.
Ouma had tried to use Tenryuugusoku to form a gap and engage in long range combat, but Ikki's speed completely destroyed that plan. He would unable to respond to Ikki charging back into range again with such timing-supposedly. However!.
.
(Its no use!).
.
Touka and the other spectators all shivered..
.
At the same time, Ikki noticed it too..
.
When he destroyed the vacuum blade, the distortion disappeared from his field of vision..
.
Ouma brandishedRyuuzume, twisting as far as to face his back towards Ikki..
.
Everyone knew what technique would be fired from that stance..
.
Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Jin no kiwami- Amaterasu[5]..
.
It was a secret technique where he used his whole bodys strength to twist his frame down to the bone, then slashed by releasing that wound up power. Though it was but one stroke, unlike Ikkis Blade Steal, this, Sword Emperor of Winds fastest strike, was more truly within the territory of Twin-Wings..
.
Moreover, Amaterasu was not long ranged, but a close ranged attack..
.
Ouma had understood..
.
After breaking through the vacuum blade, Ikki would immediately return to sword distance..
.
Having read his opponent, he amassed his power and waited..
.
This was the worst development for Ikki..
.
Saigeki was an assault technique. He had put all of his power into the starting kick, as it was a technique that shot oneself like an arrow towards its target..
.
Therefore, once in the middle of Saigeki, it would not be possible to stop..
.
Ikki could now only move forwards..
.
As Oumas Amaterasu would win in reach and speed,Ryuuzumewould behead Ikki before Ikkis blade reached him..
.
However-.
.
Ikki was not such a naive man as to be unable to improvise in a pinch..
.
Wha!?.
.
In the next moment, the spectators all widened their eyes in surprise..
.
In the instant Ouma fired Amaterasu, Ikki pointedIntetsudown and stabbed the tip into the ground..
.
As a result, Saigekis assault pitched forward, launching Ikki over Oumas head like a pole vaulter. He then kicked off the ceiling hard enough to break it, and once again charged at Ouma with Saigeki..
.
Amaterasu was a technique in which one devotes their all into one moves speed..
.
That meant it left one vulnerable until it ended, leaving Ouma unable to avoid this Saigeki..
.
...Direct hit..
.
The close range Saigeki pierced Oumas wind armor, Tennryuugusoku, and Ikkis sword dug in right above his collarbone..
.
That was by no means a random target..
.
Ikki had seen through Oumas muscle shape and density based on his movements, and attacked so as to slip through a gap..
.
He realized that without doing so, his offensive power would not be enough to pierce Oumas body..
.
His judgement was correct..
.
Even something like Touka using her Takemikazuchi was unable to cut Ouma. The only one who could damage him with a simple slash would probably be someone as powerful as Stella..
.
However, the plan hadnt gone that well.Intetsuhad not cut muscle. It had seemed to pierce Ouma, but before it turned into a serious wound, Ouma had flexed his muscles. His swelling muscles caught the blade as if it had been tucked in there..
.
Ikki immediately tried to extract his sword..
.
However, the cost of not bringing Ouma down was too great..
.
Ouma grabbed Ikki by the lapels before Ikki even landed on the floor, then threw him onto the ring with his full power..
.
!!!.
.
Ikkis body made a large, deep depression in the hard stone ring..
.
He just barely managed to use an ukemi, distributing the impact into the ring, but his stance was left in a terrible state, with one knee propping him up on the ground..
.
Ouma struck there, putting his full body weight into a downward swing..
.
Ikki also brought upIntetsuto bear..
.
Unfortunately, his stance was too poor..
.
With a position like that, there was no way he could take a blow with Oumas weight..
.
Onii-samaaa!.
.
Ouma crushed Ikki along withIntetsuwith his weighted blow..
.
But in the moment it seemed that would happen, something nobody could believe happened before their eyes..
.
Somehow, in the next moment, the one who was blown away was Ouma..
.
Ouma immediately gathered power in his toes, but couldnt stop..
.
While scraping the surface of the ring, he moved backwards..
.
Even when he thrustRyuuzumes blade into the ground, he could not fully contain the force-.
.
Not until he finally reached the side of the ring..
.
.
.
Ikki had certainly been at a disadvantage..
.
However, the one retreating had been Ouma..
.
The spectators outside the ring were all baffled by this turn of events..
.
Wha, what was that just now?.
.
I, I dont know.
.
Moroboshi and Touka knew they hadnt mistaken the statuses of the combatants..
.
That only left them all the more confused..
.
The attack just now clearly far exceeded Ikkis strength..
.
What had just happened before them?.
.
Unable to understand even after pondering it, they could only stare intently at Ouma, who had been forced to the edge of the ring..
.
However, there was one person who understood what had just happened..
.
It was none other than the one who had been pushed back, Ouma himself..
.
He understood the trickery from the numbness in his arms, and glared irritatedly at Ikki..
.
...Such trickery is just like you..
.
But you fell back, brother..
.
....
.
My swordsmanship does not seek to become powerful. It seeks to win. Therefore, I will do everything I can possible do to defeat my opponent. Even if my opponent is more powerful than me, I will win. Even if that seems like trickery to you, brother, it is the answer that I, the weakest one, came up with. That is Ikki Kuroganes swordsmanship. I do not intend to apologize for it..
.
Ikki did not avert his gaze from Oumas scornful glare..
.
He boldly threw out his chest, having nothing he felt ashamed about..
.
Ikkis pose made Ouma think..
.
Even though he couldnt understand, didnt want to understand, that was one of Ikkis strengths, wasnt it. Then.
.
Are you satisfied with your swordsmanship, having pushed me to the edge of the arena with stolen techniques?.
.
He had once again entered the ring, brandishingRyuuzume..
.
The blade was clad in wind..
.
It was a dragons claw, clad in a wild tornado..
.
While his blade shaved parts off the ceiling and walls, Ouma called out to Ikki..
.
Take your stance, Ikki..
.
I will give you everything I have..
.
Use everything you have, and show me you can overturn fate..
.
....
.
Hearing those words, Ikki showed surprise for a moment..
.
He never thought this brother of his would accompany him so far..
.
However, towards that fighting spirit which brought shivers to his skin,.
.
Yes!.
.
Ikki thanked him sincerely and took up a stance withIntetsuagain..
.
At some point, his cold sweat had stopped..
.
.
.
....
.
When Stella opened her eyes, she found the room full of deep red light flowing in from the evening sun..
.
She sat up in bed..
.
Her eyelids were light, and not so much as a yawn escaped her mouth..
.
Her mind was clear, and it even seemed like her vision was broader..
.
She threw off her bathrobe and stood in front of a full body mirror..
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It reflected a white body with beautiful curves and proportions..
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Without any hesitation, she understood that her blood, cells, everything was full of energy..
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It seemed the excessive amount of food shed eaten before sleeping had been stored away without waste by her draconic body..
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There was no mistake. She was in peak condition like shed never been before..
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Stella felt confident in the heat her body emitted..
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Tonight, she would learn things about herself that she didnt know..
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Well now, everything was ready..
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Time to go..
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To the ultimate stage, where the strongest opponent would be waiting..
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1Renren is making a pun on Saijou's given name, Ikazuchi (), which can mean lightning god.. 2Happou Nirami, : An all-directional observation technique.. 3Seigan no Kamae, : A basic defensive stance with blade held low, pointing at enemys eyes.. 4Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Retsu no kiwami Amatsukaze, : Rising Sun One Mind Style Highest of Sequence - Amatsukaze.. 5Kyokujitsu Isshin-ryuu, Jin no kiwami- Amaterasu, : Rising Sun One Mind Style Highest of Swiftness - Amaterasu..