In crossover anime, who isn't a childhood friend?

Strangely enough, Yuan Qianye didn't seem as resistant as usual, probably because they were indeed acquaintances.

Listening to their soft conversation and enjoying the massage from their gentle hands, he drifted off to sleep.

Eriri and Rikka then covered him with a blanket and tiptoed away.

He slept soundly all night.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Eight o'clock the next day.

Inside the hotel lobby, the Chuanlan Kendo Club members completed their roll call and assembled, then proceeded in a grand procession to the competition venue.

"Chiya, Saeko, let's head to the stands."

"Keep it up!"

Don't put too much pressure on yourself, the important thing is to participate!

"Stop saying such discouraging things."

Gen Chiya and Busujima Saeko smiled as they parted ways with the others and entered the competition area.

The national finals were much more formal and grand than the previous regional competitions.

A quick glance at the scene revealed that the camera crews of top domestic television stations such as NHK, TBS, and FJTV were waiting on the sidelines to set up their equipment.

It seems that today's match will be broadcast live in its entirety on some sports channels.

Many staff members wearing headsets ran around, coordinating the entry and waiting of the participating parties, and informing them of the upcoming competition procedures.

The team leader will take care of this. The contestants, such as Chiyo and Saeko, only need to focus on their performance later. They don't need to worry about anything else.

After sitting down in the waiting area, Chiya Minamoto looked at Saeko Busujima and asked, "Senior, hasn't your father arrived yet?"

Saeko Busujima shook her head, not seeming to care: "My father's flight is delayed, so he'll probably arrive a little late, but don't worry, I won't let this affect my competition."

Yuan Qianye wasn't worried about that; he only asked the question out of concern.

The on-site broadcasts continuously reported on various aspects of today's competition.

The air conditioning in the stadium was running at full power, but the large number of people there made it seem to have little effect.

Around 9 a.m., after a series of complicated opening ceremonies, it was finally time for the competition to officially begin.

A total of sixteen teams from across the country made it to the finals.

In other words, to achieve final victory and become the strongest in the country in this competition, one must win four consecutive times.

After the draw, the coach gave the three players, who were about to compete, a briefing on the general situation of their opponents.

He didn't sleep at all last night, ignoring his wife who was wearing sexy lingerie and whispering sweet nothings to him, and instead focused on studying the past match videos of all the players who participated in the finals!

A brief incarnation as a Sigma man! Just for this moment!

He didn't have much luck in the finals.

Unlike the previous regional competition, where the atmosphere was too tense and the jokes between Saeko Busujima and Chiyomi Minamoto were too intense, this time...

His luck was really bad this time!

Right from the start, we're facing a tough nut to crack!

"...Takayama Junior High School Kendo Club! They are regulars at the national finals, and their best result to date... is the national championship."

Hearing the teacher say this, Niu Shan, a senior in the main team, was already sweating profusely, and his heart was pounding!

However, Chiya Minamoto and Saeko Busujima remained calm and composed, showing little emotional fluctuation.

it is good!

With the composure of a great general remaining calm even when Mount Tai collapses before him, he has already won in terms of mental state!

The teacher couldn't help but secretly praise him and continued speaking.

"The opposing team consists of two third-year students and one second-year student. The key is those two third-year students. Their surname is Iwaha, and they are twin brothers. Their family is similar to Tokushima's; they also run a kendo dojo."

They are both tall and strong, with excellent basic skills. Their results in the regional competition are the same as yours, both undefeated. It is no exaggeration to call them geniuses.

They excel at turning their strengths into advantages in the game. Against them, Busujima, being a girl, you're already at a physical disadvantage, so try to avoid passive defense and avoid head-on confrontations. Use your skills to find opportunities to break through. Chiya, the same goes for you..."

The teacher explained the tactics to them, and Minamoto Chiya and Busujima Saeko listened attentively.

After the teacher finished speaking, Yusuke Ushiyama slowly raised his hand and asked his question: "Teacher, in what positions did these brothers play in the previous matches?"

"It's not fixed. They seem to be intentionally trying to develop younger players, so if they encounter a weak team, they will occasionally let a younger player play as a striker."

"In that case, how about putting me first or second in the first race?"

His idea was simple: the principle of Tian Ji's horse racing strategy.

If he can directly face one of the two tough opponents and replace their superior horse with a weaker one, then his school's chances of winning will greatly increase.

The teacher had also thought of this tactic, but didn't mention it due to various concerns.

However, now that Niu Shan has brought it up, he doesn't mind listening to the other two ace players' thoughts.

Saeko Busujima didn't say anything, but instead turned her head to look at Chiya Minamoto.

When she saw him shake his head without hesitation, she smiled slightly, as expected.

"No need for such trouble. It's the same as before. Yuan Jun and I will take turns appearing. As for Senior Niu Shan, you'll be responsible for covering for us. If one of us unfortunately loses, then we'll have to rely on you to turn the tide."

Although Saeko Busujima refused, her refusal was quite pleasant! Even Ushiyama, the one who made the proposal, had no objections!

She even felt honored and trusted because of her words, as she felt entrusted with an important task!

This is the art of language!

"I understand, Minister!"

He pounded his chest with all his might!

The others came over together, put their hands together, and shouted "Go Chuanlan!"

Game start.

Saeko Busujima was the first to take the stage. Being a girl, she naturally appeared petite in front of the boys.

Crouching halfway in front of the starting line, she saw through her face mask the murderous glare of her opponent, a blatant display of disregard.

Yes, that's exactly right...

The familiar feeling is back.

Last year, her kendo club also made it to the national competition. She successfully defeated her opponent, but her teammates were all unfortunately defeated. In the end, they only made it to the finals and went through the motions, which she felt a little regretful about.

But now, things are completely different...

"Whoosh!"

"Throat! Thud!"

As Saeko Busujima let out a spirited shout, her opponent, with her sword pressed against the guard on his throat, staggered back several steps!

All three referees simultaneously raised their red flags!

Saeko Busujima gets one first!

There was a moment of silence in the room, followed by enthusiastic applause and cheers!

Meanwhile, Eriri finally found out what the long, cloth-wrapped object Rikka was carrying was!

The moment Saeko Busujima scored the first point, she immediately stood up, pulled open the cloth strip, and then raised her hands and began to wave!

A large white flag displays the names of Saeko Busujima and Chiya Minamoto in childlike, rounded handwriting, with a big thumbs-up emoji in the center and the English word "Fighting" below it!

"Go Chiya! Go Senpai! Go Kawana!!!"

Rikka was quite pleased with herself and was extremely excited as she waved her flag and shouted encouragement!

This silly little sister, the longer she spends with Qianye, the more obvious her quirky traits seem? Or is she just someone with a hidden gene for being a show-off?

Toka couldn't bear to look directly at Rikka. Noticing the curious gazes of those around her, she was too embarrassed to stop them and even had the thought of pretending not to know Rikka pop into her head.

Many photographers on the sidelines noticed what was happening in the stands and focused their cameras on Rikka, giving her a close-up!

Rikka noticed this and happily reached out to pull Eriri along, hoping to bring her onto the TV and make her famous.

But Eriri, like Toka, had her face flushed and head buried, and couldn't pull it!

Saeko Busujima, on the court, had no time to pay attention to what was happening off the court; she had already started the second game of the first set.

Having just suffered a defeat, her opponent was wary of her explosive power and was on guard.

Holding his sword firmly in front of him, he acted like a tortoise, repelling several of Saeko Busujima's attacks.

Despite having a physical advantage, they played so timidly, drawing boos from the sidelines.

Although he is physically strong enough to rival an adult, in terms of mentality he is still just a junior high school student.

Distracted by the atmosphere on the sidelines, his defense quickly showed a flaw, and Saeko Busujima delivered a clean and decisive horizontal slash to his abdomen!

The referee raised the red flag again!

Saeko Busujima won the first game easily.

"Thank you for your hard work, senior."

After she took off her face mask, Gen Chiya handed her a tissue.

"Your opponent is quite strong, Yuan-kun, do your best and enjoy the game."

"Yes."

Wearing protective gear, Yuan Qianye went up to the stage, bowed to the referee and his opponent, and half-squatted in front of the starting line.

The moment the referee gave the order, he rushed out, his bamboo sword flashing like lightning, slashing down headfirst, unstoppable!

Seeing how fiercely he attacked from the start, his opponent was completely overwhelmed by his momentum! In a panic, he leaned back and sidestepped to deflect his attack!