Tokyo girls have a big problem

Chapter 238 Swordswoman!

July 28th, Wednesday, the final day of the Yulongqi tournament, the final round.

It rained heavily that day, so heavily that umbrellas were only 30% effective.

As they stepped out of the hotel lobby, the group rushed into the Honda Skoda.

“It’s raining so hard!”

"Hmm! I feel like I'm all wet!"

"The weather was quite nice last night," said Aoyama Risa, brushing the raindrops off her clothes.

"Did you have insomnia last night?" Jian Shang asked him.

No one else said anything, but she asked one more question: Did she also receive learning outside of textbooks?
“A little,” Aoyama replied.

"How about taking a nap in the car later? We won't bother you," Mika Ono suggested.

"I'm in good spirits. If I can't hold on, I will."

Everyone was only concerned about whether it would affect his match today or whether he would see Shang Ai, but she alone gave him a meaningful look.

—Did Miyako tell her what happened last night?

Aoyama Riki didn't want Mikami Ai to misunderstand him. It wasn't that he wanted anything with Mikami Ai, but rather that he didn't want her to doubt his true feelings for Ono Mika.

He started the car and quickly put the matter out of his mind.

I took out my phone and watched the match video sent by Jun Aizawa. The Sword King also played in yesterday's match.

In the first match, Sword King faced off against the opponent's general and won decisively.
In the second match, Sword King fought against two opponents, first defeating the opponent's vice general and then the opponent's general, thus securing a spot in the finals for Kyushu Academy.

Aoyama collected data from the three matches and then mentally rehearsed them.

Upon arriving at Fukuoka Gymnasium, despite the torrential rain, there were still more spectators than at any previous event.

After separating from the Ono sisters, Aoyama Osamu rejoined the kendo club.

"Kana told me they went to see you last night." There was a hint of accusation in Jun Aizawa's tone.

"Why didn't you come?" Aoyama asked in return.

"Um..." Jun Aizawa's gaze began to wander. "Thank you, Aoyama, for taking the time to train them even though you have a match today!"

Why didn't you come?

"Um, I'm going to get the bamboo sword serviced." Jun Aizawa walked away.

Aoyama looked around and saw that the men's group was mostly with the women's group, cheering them on.

Thinking that he was also a member of the kendo club, Aoyama Risa walked over.

"Both the men's and women's teams have made it to the finals, we're simply a golden generation!" the men's center exclaimed confidently.

"People will only remember Elsa and Aoyama-kun," the female vice-general retorted.

"That might be the case in one or two years, but what about five or ten years from now? I'll be the center on the championship team!"

It doesn't seem like they're cheering or encouraging each other, but rather bragging.

Elsa Amayu turned slightly to the side, her gaze passing through everyone, and said to Aoyama Riku who was walking towards her, "Aoyama-kun!"

The girl's call brought a smile to everyone's face.

[Kendo Jade Dragon Flag: 90.1%]

It doesn't feel like a typical action-packed sword novel.

"Good luck, everyone!" Aoyama said to the women's team.

"Is that all?" asked Kana Higashiura.

Qingshan couldn't understand.

"What did Elsa do yesterday?" Higashiura Kana laughed.

Aoyama Riya laughed.

He held out his hand and clenched it into a fist.

Kana Higashiura looked at Elsa Amane with the same expression every high school girl has when she sees a couple in her class.

Elsa Amane and Risa Aoyama bumped fists.

"Keep it up," said Aoyama Risa.

“Yes!” Tianyu Elsa nodded.

Aoyama Risa then pointed her fist at Higashiura Kana: "Go for it."

"Whether we refuel or not makes no difference," Higashiura Kana laughed.

Aoyama Risa smiled slightly and did not withdraw his hand.

Kana Higashiura looked helpless and bumped fists with him.

After exchanging fist bumps with her, Aoyama Risa then exchanged fist bumps with each of the other kendo girls.

"Ah~, I touched Aoyama-kun's hand!" The female center stared at her hand with fascination.

"Do you have to be so perverted?!" Higashiura Kana laughed and scolded.

"What nonsense are you talking about!" The female center's face quickly turned red. "What I mean is, if a strong person touches my hand, they will definitely be able to unleash one-tenth of Aoyama-kun's strength later!"

“That’s too little,” Aoyama Risa said with a smile. “I’ve given you all of it.”

"I'll return it to you when I'm done," said Kana Higashiura.

"Not only will we return it, we'll give you ours too!" the female striker said.

“We’ll give them to you too!” said Minister Kinoshita.

The female center covered her fist: "I won't touch anything except the bamboo sword! I won't even wash my hands when I go to the toilet!"

Before anyone in the men's team could say anything more, the coach said, "Go onto the field with this strength!"

Even the slightest bit of psychological comfort is better than nothing.

But Aoyama Risa always felt that he would be disliked if he did that.

That's why he doesn't want to be too handsome; it's all a hassle. He genuinely believes that a man's looks are fine as long as they don't hold him back. Too much of a good appearance can actually be a hindrance and hinder the improvement of his true abilities.

With some time still remaining before the competition, the departure of the men's team allowed the women's team to focus on their preparations.

Aoyama Ryou took a sip of water, found a spot to close his eyes, and continued his mental rehearsal.

Just before the match was about to start, he went to the restroom as a precaution.

When I came out, I ran into Kana Higashiura.

"Are you nervous?" Aoyama asked.

"I feel like I need to go to the bathroom when I'm nervous."

The two were washing their hands at the same time.

"So what will you do during the competition?"

"A little leakage is okay, I've taken precautions."

Aoyama Ryo looked up and saw Higashiura Kana in the mirror.

She turned off the tap, dried her hands, and then raised her fist at him.

"Huh?" Qingshan was puzzled.

“Touch it again, I just washed my hands,” Higashiura Kana replied.

Just as their fists were about to touch, Kana Higashiura asked nervously, "Could you give me a little more?"

"Give more?"

Do you want a hug?
“I think so.” She took a deep breath.

You're not allowed to even think about that!
“I want to do my part,” said Kana Higashiura, “not only for Elsa, but also for myself.”

Aoyama Ryo sized up the girl; she had delicate features, was 1.63 meters tall, and had a tense expression.

Her appearance is such that it wouldn't be surprising if she treated someone to a meal, or she didn't.

"Have you heard Aizawa mention that I can transform?" he asked.

"Ah."

"I'll tell you the transformation code."

"Password?" Kana Higashiura asked curiously.

"When you feel like you can't go on, shout 'Kana Higashiura!' and then, no matter what, try to hold on for five more seconds."

"You also call her 'Higashiura Kana'?"

"What are you thinking?" Aoyama Risa laughed. "Of course I'll call out 'Aoyama'!"

He looked at the girl and asked with a smile, "Did you remember?"

"Phew." Kana Higashiura exhaled and clenched her fists, placing them on her chest.

She looked up and met Aoyama Ryou's gaze: "I've got it."

"Let's go."

"Ah."

The two walked towards the stadium.

“I think it’s one of the greatest blessings for Tenyu to have a friend like you,” said Aoyama Osamu.

“I’m very lucky to have met Elsa,” Kana Higashiura said with a smile.

As they approached the venue, Aoyama Risa stopped.

"You go first," he said.

"Okay~" Higashiura Kana chuckled to herself, knowing the reason without needing an explanation.

The women's competition has begun.

"Next, let me introduce today's participating team!" the referee said. "Kaiming High School from Tokyo."

"Forward, Yu Kawauchi!"

Kawauchi Yu got up and walked onto the field.

"Second striker, Kana Higashiura!"

"Center, Kanon Yamagata!"

"Vice-General, Ikui Yukino!"

"General, Tianyu Elsa!"

The blonde Fiora stood up and walked into the arena, whereupon enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

After the applause subsided, the referee continued: "The other team is from Kumamoto Prefecture, Yatsushiro Shirayuri High School!"

"Pioneer, Narahashi Miki!"

Miki Narahashi got up and went on stage to face the enlightened pioneer, Yu Kawauchi.

Enlightened Vice-General Yuki Ikui took a deep breath.

“Don’t be afraid,” Higashiura Kana whispered. “We have Elsa and Aoyama-kun’s blessing.”

Someone chuckled softly.

They clenched their hands tightly.

All the students from Yashiro Shirayuri High School appeared, the two teams bowed to each other, and then left.

On her way back, Elsa Tenyu looked at Aoyama Ryou in the distance.

Aoyama Osamu clapped softly and met her gaze.

The vanguard battle has begun.

Forward Yu Kawauchi vs. Forward Miki Narahashi.

"start!"

He crouched, then stood up. His opponent was much taller and bigger than him, and Kawauchi Yu's heart tightened instinctively, but almost instinctively, a sharp pain shot through his arm.

'You're scared before I've even hit you?' Memories of the torment Aoyama suffered last night resurfaced.

Where did this memory come from when I was in so much pain that I almost lost consciousness?
Beneath the mask, Kawauchi Yu smiled slightly, then tightened her expression again, but this time without fear.

The sword tip was pointed at the opponent's throat.

Once you draw your sword, all you need to think about is how to kill your opponent—that's Aoyama Risa's teaching.

There was a magical feeling, as if Aoyama Riki was holding her hand and teaching her how to fight.

"Ah!!" Forward Miki Narahashi suddenly shouted, her momentum suddenly rising.

She took half a step, and she was already right in front of Kawauchi Yu's face.

So fast!

Finished!

Yu Kawauchi subconsciously raised his hand.

boom!
A powerful force struck the bamboo sword.

Did he catch it himself?
"Noodles!" Forward Miki Narahashi stomped her foot on the floor with a loud thud.

By the time Kawauchi Yu came to his senses, the forward, Narahashi Miki, had already retreated far away, executing a perfect Zanshin—avoiding being counter-killed.

"Score! White wins!"

The enlightened coach crossed his arms and shouted, "Kawachi, well done! Keep it up!"

Kawauchi Yu walked back and came to the starting line.

That's right. Being able to withstand a single blow without being afraid is already a great achievement for them.

"start!"

Squat down, then stand up.

Forward Miki Narahashi quickly closed the distance, and Yu Kawauchi's heart tightened.

He's going to be killed.

They did nothing, took nothing, and were killed.

It's normal to get defeated. I'm already weak. Without Elsa, someone like me would need luck to even get to the second round.

Ah!
It hurts!

Suddenly, a sharp pain, as if my head were about to be split open, came over me.

That was a heavy blow from Aoyama Ryo, who made Kawauchi Yu cry last night and suspect that she was going to be killed.

"Do you want to be in pain yourself, or do you want me to be in pain?" Aoyama Rika asked her at the time.

Of course you're the one in pain!

Kawauchi Yu mustered her courage and took a step forward.

Off the court, the coach held his breath. Instead of defending, he was actively moving forward? What was Kawana doing?
The tips of the two forwards' swords overlapped, slightly colliding with each other, constantly creating the illusion of a possible attack.

At this distance, either side only needs to take one more step to hit the other.

For Kawauchi Yu, this choice will only make her lose even faster.

"hand!"

"hand!"

The two attacked simultaneously.

"Snapped!"

They both hit each other; the question is, who is faster?

"Hand score! White wins!"

Is it still a little short?

After bowing, Kawauchi Yu returned to the group.

I want to play another match; I'm sure I can do even better next time!

"How is it?" the coach asked.

Kawauchi Yu removed her face mask, but without taking off her headscarf, and exclaimed, "I'm so unwilling to accept this! I felt like I could have won!"

Everyone was startled.

Kawauchi Yu ignored it, then suddenly looked at the rest of the girls' group as if she remembered something: "The special training worked! Trust Aoyama-kun!"

In the second match, the Kaiming second forward faced off against the Yuri (short for 'Yashiro Shirayuri High School') forward.

"start!"

Whether the special training was effective or not, Higashiura Kana, who had already experienced it once, certainly knew, but the effect only lasted for one day.

That's been a long time already.

Kana Higashiura is confused about whether she should trust Aoyama-kun.
Squatting.

However, Aoyama Osamu's spell is 'Higashiura Kana'.

Get up.

He makes us believe in ourselves.

Instinctively, Kana Higashiura felt a burning sensation in her back, followed by excruciating pain.

'Focus.'

Last night she wanted to watch the excitement, but as soon as she arrived, she was the first one to get beaten up by Aoyama Risa.

Higashiura Kana forgot everything and focused intently on her opponent.

Forward Miki Narahashi has already arrived.

"Crack!" "Crack!"

The two exchanged blows for two rounds in an instant, then entered a phase of pushing and shoving their sword blades.

“It’s stronger than I expected,” said forward Miki Narahashi in a low voice.

Is this the allure of swordsmanship? Kana Higashiura wondered.

Using all your strength to catch the opponent's carefully crafted slash is not only thrilling, but also incredibly exhilarating!
This time, the feeling was even deeper than last time!

The two pulled at the same time, separating themselves.

Almost instinctively, Kana Higashiura raised her bamboo sword.

"Face!" Forward Miki Narahashi unleashed a retreating attack.

Snapped!
And it caught again.

Higashiura Kana was simply raising her hand instinctively because she was terrified of being beaten yesterday.

Even though she had experience with it once, she was still so nervous that she was panting heavily.

Before she could catch her breath, the vanguard, Narahashi Miki, pressed down again, unleashing all her power and concentrating it on her bamboo sword.

"noodle!"

Kana Higashiura raised her hand.

"Snapped!"

Caught it!
However, the bamboo sword was bounced up and almost slipped from his hand.

Oh no! The students at Kaiming High School clenched their fists.

"Take it!!!" Forward Miki Narahashi sheathed her sword and slashed again.

"Snapped!"

"Score! White wins!"

"Lily! Lily! Lily!"

Compared to the relatively unknown Kaiming, Baihe is a long-established and strong school, so it naturally has an advantage in terms of audience size.

Unless it's Fiora who appears.

Cheers erupted everywhere.

Standing on the field, Kana Higashiura exudes a sense of isolation, as if she were facing the entire world alone.

She loosened her grip on the bamboo sword, then gripped it again, as if communicating with it.

She walked back to the starting line and waited for the second round to begin.

"Dongpu!!!" Jun Aizawa's roar came through.

"Dongpu!" The voices from the men's group came over.

Higashiura Kana suddenly laughed.

If Aoyama-kun tells her to believe in herself, then whether she believes in herself or Aoyama-kun, isn't it still believing in herself?
"start!"

Squat down, then stand up.

Forward Miki Narahashi took a step forward, testing the tip of her sword.

Higashiura Kana stared intently at her opponent, remaining calm and trying to see through her opponent's every move.

While still testing the waters, the next moment, forward Miki Narahashi, as agile as a cat, suddenly darted to the side of Kana Higashiura.

"hand!"

Kana Higashiura had already caught it, but her reaction was far inferior to that of the athletes from these top kendo schools.

That's too late.

I've clearly seen through it all, but I'm still so unwilling to accept it.

Do not!
Hold on for five seconds, then hold on for another five seconds!

——Dongpu! Kana!

Flames spread throughout her body, setting her ablaze, the intense heat making her unable to control herself.

She let out a battle roar as fierce as fire.

"Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!"

Kana Higashiura's bamboo sword traced an arc that tore through the air as she moved to the right from the highest point.

"Snapped!!"

"Score! Red wins!"

Kana Higashiura jumped twice on the spot and let out a soft breath.

"How did you do it?!"

"Pretty!"

"Kana! Kana! Kana!"

The cheers of her teammates, especially the forwards, center forwards, and vice-captains, three people who shared her plight.

What they are afraid of is not losing, and yesterday's training was not for winning.

Don't they know whether they can win or not?
They just wanted to avoid a humiliating defeat, not to let the opposing forward take out four of their players, leaving them unable to win even a single round.

This kind of thing has happened before, but it's only in the finals that they're unwilling to do it.

That's why I went for special training last night, and that's why I'm so nervous now.

Now, she has done it.

As she walked toward the starting line, she glanced at Aoyama Ryo in the distance, and even though she knew he couldn't see her, she still gave him a grateful look.

[Kendo Jade Dragon Flag: 90.2%, 90.3%, 90.4%]

The young girl might make a profit, but Aoyama Osamu will never lose.

Can the girl go even further? For example, take down the opposing striker!
(End of this chapter)