{Back at the 1st division's training ground}
"You really are a maniac…"Hozuki sighed as he was exchanging strikes with Kuki.
*Clang*
"Hm?What do you mean by that-"Kuki asked curiously as he attempted to hit Hozuki's left leg.
Seeing the attack, Hozuki casually stepped back and answered "You pushed me,YOUR TEAMMATE of the arena platform!"Hozuki scolded as he dodged another attack.
"I was confident "Kuki answered in a deadpan voice while wearing a light smirk on his face that was hardly visible through all the bandaging.
"You're a nut job"Hozuki signed in defeat as they continued to trade blows.
"They're both pretty abnormal huh Isane"Suzune,who was standing with Isane at a distance remarked after hearing the two boys' conversations.
"I guess so,to think they'll actually make it to the finals" Isane said with a slight proud smile.
"They'll have to face my team so it won't be easy!"Suzune exclaimed confidently.
"We'll see" Isane spoke calmly before lighting a cigarette.
"You've been smoking a lot lately dear…"Suddenly shifting her tone from a cheerful to a worried one,Suzune asked with a concerned expression.
"I know"Isane said as he blew out a puff of smoke"I couldn't stop myself after the incident with Higeki"He said as he gazed towards Kuki.
"There was nothing you could've done better honey,don't be too hard on yourself,please.."Suzune commented while putting a hand on Isane's right shoulder.
"If it's this bad for me,I can't imagine what the kid went through"He blew out another puff and continued "after the whole thing,Kuki became a lot more distance,it's almost like he's afraid he'll bring me bad luck because of that stupid superstition "
"That kid sure has it rough.."Suzune said as she became deep in thought leaving the atmosphere strangely silent.
"Well it doesn't matter,no matter how much I pity the kid,he still ain't winning against my team"Seeing that the mood became heavy,Suzune provoked her husband to lighten the mood.
"Heh,you wish "Isane chuckled.
After a straining sparring session Kuki went back to his room to practice his justus while Hozuki went out to buy food.With a long night of resting they were finally ready for the finals.
{At the arena grounds}
"Ladies and gentlemen!!ARE YOU READY!?!?!!"The announcer shouted even more excitedly than normal as he announced the finals.
"Today will be the battle that decides the official rankings,the battle for 1st place between the 19th division and the 1st division!!!"
The crowd cheered wildly,the samurai captains were placing bets among each other,even samurai general Mifune,who is usually stoic, seemed to be in a good mood.
"Firstly we have the 1st division the reigning champion with their two up and coming geniuses Mizugestu Hozuki from the famous Hozuki clan of the hidden mist in and Hori Unemi a kenjutsu prodigy "
Mizugestu stepped onto the stage brimming with confidence while Hori was following right up behind her as the crowd cheered.
"And on the other team,the 19th division's representatives,the dark horse of this tournament,who gave us countless surprises,Kuki Uragiru the youngest ever samurai and Hozuki Uzumaki from the famous Uzumaki clan of the hidden leaf!!"
Kuki walked out casually besides Hozuki who was quite stiff but confident nonetheless.
The crowd cheered as the two teams locked eyes.
"That brat is from a famous clan?!?""That red headed idiot is from the Uzumaki clan?!How does that make sense!"Hozuki and Mizugestu glared at each with streaks of lighting between them knowing that they both said rude things to each other in their thoughts.
"Don't expect me to go easy on you two!"Mizugetsu proclaimed.
"Likewise"Kuki replied in a mischievous tone while grinning through his bandages,creeping out the audience.