Chapter 113: The Women Championship Showdown
Swordmaster or Kendoka Master!
Such a level of mastery is deemed unparalleled in the entire realm of Japanese kendo. In all of Japan, there exist merely nine swordmasters. The youngest among them is Masao Busujima, the father of Saeko, who is in his early forties, alongside Toji Zenin. On the other end of the spectrum, the eldest among them exceeds the age of seventy.
In the vast world of Japanese swordsmanship, the recognition of only nine swordmasters serves as a testament to the prestige of this level of expertise. As Saeko mentioned on that particular day, five of them were publicly known, while the other four remained shrouded in mystery.
It can be stated without hesitation that aspiring to become a swordmaster represents the ultimate ambition for all practitioners of swordsmanship in today's era. The title of Sword Saint, an even loftier distinction, has almost taken on a mythical quality.
This perspective is poignantly evident through Saeko's eyes. The young woman once declared that should Hachiman ascend to the rank of swordmaster, she would gladly become his wife. This statement alone is a compelling testament to the exalted status of a swordmaster in her heart.
Furthermore, each swordmaster is intricately woven into a complex network of relationships. Should these formidable swordmasters choose to unite, even the most influential conglomerates would find themselves compelled to yield.
On the fourth day, the competition proceeded as expected, advancing to the semifinals featuring the top four teams. Every team that reached this stage possessed formidable skills, with each member wielding swordsmanship abilities of at least level three. However, in the presence of exceptional talents like Hachiman and Saeko Busujima, their adversaries appeared somewhat lacking.
In the women's division, Kotonoha was the first to grace the stage. She faced a daunting two-on-one battle and, regrettably, was defeated by a level-three swordswoman. However, following her defeat, Saeko stepped into the arena like a whirlwind, displaying astonishing strength. She effortlessly vanquished three opponents in succession. It was a remarkable display of her prowess. Notably, there was a dark horse in the women's division, Tokyo Metropolitan High School, led by their captain Maki Zenin, whom Hachiman had encountered during his signing event.
In the men's division, Hachiman seemed to glide through a one-against-five match with remarkable ease. Even though two of his adversaries possessed formidable level three kendo skills, and their ace exhibited signs of approaching level four, they found themselves outmatched. After a few nimble defensive maneuvers, Hachiman swiftly defeated his opponent once again.
The arena resounded with triumphant cheers of "One-Strike Shura."
Having completed today's one-against-five challenge, Hachiman had now secured thirteen consecutive victories, and he stood just shy of five thousand proficiency points away from attaining level five in kendo.
Back at the hotel, the male team members, including Shuji Fujita, were brimming with excitement. Last year, thanks to Saeko's exceptional performance in the women's team, they had clinched the championship in the women's division. In contrast, the men's team had only managed to reach the quarterfinals before being eliminated, which left some members of the Kendo Club feeling a touch embarrassed.
Indeed, pride weighed heavily on the hearts of these young men.
This year, however, was an entirely different narrative. Under Hachiman's capable leadership, they stood on the cusp of championship glory. The members of the men's team couldn't contain their excitement. This held especially true for Shuji Fujita, a third-year student who knew that this was his final opportunity. If they could secure the championship in the men's division of the Kendo Inter-High School Championship, it would mark a gratifying conclusion to his high school journey.
In Shuji's eyes, victory in this championship seemed well within their grasp. As a senior member of the Kendo Club, he keenly recognized that Hachiman's kendo skills had already surpassed even Saeko's, reaching a level that transcended what a student could typically achieve.
With excitement soaring to its pinnacle, the competition culminated in the grand finals on the fifth day. As the members of Sobu High School's kendo team arrived at the competition venue, a swarm of reporters descended upon them, creating a frenzy, particularly around Hachiman. The stage was set for a remarkable showdown.
"Competitor Hikigaya, do you have confidence in today's match?" inquired a tall, slender journalist, capitalizing on his elongated stride as he approached Hachiman.
"Confidence? Naturally, I have it. I will lead our team to victory in the men's division," Hachiman responded with unwavering assurance.
A second reporter chimed in, "May I ask, what are your thoughts on your nickname 'One-Strike Shura'?"
"I'm grateful for the audience's affection. I quite like the nickname 'One-Strike Shura,'" Hachiman replied.
"Competitor Hikigaya, are you planning to face all five opponents today?" another journalist questioned.
"At the moment, that's the plan," Hachiman answered.
"Then, before the match begins, is there anything you'd like to say to your opponents?"
Hachiman paused briefly, a subtle smile forming on his lips. "As opponents, I just want to say... You may have countless opportunities, but I, I only need one."
Upon hearing this almost arrogant response, the reporters were momentarily taken aback, but then their cameras burst into a frenzy of flashes. Whether Hachiman emerged victorious or not, this statement was destined to become the headline of their newspapers.
Notably, Saeko also found herself fielding a barrage of questions from the eager reporters, all eyes focused intently on the upcoming matches.
"Competitor Saeko, do you have confidence in defeating another genius like you? I heard that the one you're facing defeated you when you were younger," inquired one reporter.
"Of course, this time I will prove that I am stronger than her," Saeko responded with unwavering confidence.
Even Kotonoha, who had displayed exceptional prowess in previous matches, and Shuji Fujita were interviewed, each sharing their thoughts and determination.
Meanwhile, in Chiba, the Yuigahama family gathered around the TV to watch the live broadcast, their attention fixed on Hachiman and the others being interviewed. Despite not having a particular interest in kendo, the mere presence of Hachiman in the spotlight made it all the more captivating for them.
Today marked the grand finals of the Kendo Inter-High School Championship, and even Mrs. Yuigahama, who seldom had the luxury of relaxation, found herself drawn to the television screen.
"Wow, Hikki looks so handsome," Yui exclaimed as she spotted her crush on TV, her heart fluttering at his bold pre-match declaration.
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and even Mrs. Yuigahama's eyes sparkled at the sight.
"To need only one opportunity."
Such a statement brimmed with confidence. What kind of self-assurance did it take to utter those words?
Similar scenes were unfolding not just for Yuigahama but also for Komachi, Utaha, and even Shizuka, all engrossed in watching the broadcast on television.
And beyond them, due to his enduring interest in kendo, Senzaemon too was closely following this gripping kendo competition.
"Hahaha, young Hachiman is truly something else! That level of confidence is truly admirable," Senzaemon chuckled heartily upon hearing Hachiman's bold declaration.
"Hmm, I'd say it's more like arrogance. The Kendo Inter-High School Championship gathers the elite of high school kendo from across the country, and that guy still dares to say such things," Erina, who watched the competition with her grandfather, couldn't help but snort.
"No matter, if young Hachiman has the guts to say it, he must have his reasons. Let's watch and see," her grandfather replied with calm assurance.
As time ticked away, Hachiman and the rest of the team made their entrance into the competition venue.
With the championship title on the line, the audience in the venue was especially spirited. As soon as the Sobu High School team stepped into the arena, the entire stadium resounded with thunderous cheers of "One-Strike Shura."
"One-Strike Shura!" "One-Strike Shura!" "One-Strike Shura!" "One-Strike Shura!"
At this moment, Hachiman had already eclipsed Saeko in popularity.
The setup for this final match was nothing short of extravagant. With only two teams left, cameras were strategically positioned all around the arena to capture the entire match from a 360-degree perspective.
Moreover, there was live commentary, and rumors had circulated about a significant guest appearance that would add to the anticipation of the showdown.
"All right, for those of you tuning in on television and our enthusiastic audience here at the venue, welcome to the grand finals of the Kendo Inter-High School Championship. I'm your host, Misaki Kosaka."
"Next, we are about to embark on the grand finals of the Kendo Inter-High School Championship. Let's give a warm welcome to the three teams poised for a showdown."
"First in line, we have the defending champions of the men's division, hailing from Nagasaki, Shimabara High School."
As the host announced, Shimabara High School, the formidable opponents of Hachiman and his team, made their grand entrance.
Following the host's introduction, the male contingent from Shirahara High School made an impressive arrival.
"And now, introducing the challengers in the women's division, representing Tokyo, we have Tokyo Metropolitan High School!"
The female team from Tokyo Metropolitan High School received an enthusiastic roar from the crowd as they entered. It was their maiden appearance in the Grand Finals, and their captain, a strikingly beautiful girl often compared to Saeko, only added to their allure.
"Now, let's extend a hearty welcome to their adversaries hailing from Chiba, Sobu High School!"
Under the guidance of Hachiman and Saeko, the members of Sobu High School's kendo team entered the arena with determination etched on their faces. The stage was set for a thrilling battle.
The overwhelming favoritism toward Sobu High School, thanks to "One-Strike Shura" and the "Kendo Flower" in their ranks, was palpable in the air.
With all the players assembled, the host proceeded to introduce the heavyweight guest of the day.
It was none other than Chiba Shigetsugu, the current head of the Kitachin Itto-ryu and one of Japan's esteemed Nine Swordmasters. Amidst the thunderous cheers of the live audience, a man in his sixties, radiating an aura that defied description, made his way to the stage.
The Kitachin Itto-ryu was a renowned school with a storied history of producing exceptional swordsmen. It had emerged during the late Edo period, and its ranks had included famous figures like the patriot Sakamoto Ryoma, who was a disciple of this dojo. Many prominent swordsmen of the late Edo period, such as Ito Kashitaro of the Shinsengumi, Yamanami Keisuke, and Kondo Isami, had also practiced the Kitachin Itto-ryu style.
The presence of such a contemporary swordmaster at this competition was unexpected and added an element of surprise for both Hachiman and Saeko. Particularly for Saeko, whose father had attained the rank of Swordmaster, it was a significant moment. It was Chiba Shigetsugu who had bestowed upon her father the title of Swordmaster and the coveted Muramasa sword upon reaching that rank.
With a respectful bow, the Swordmaster of Kitachin Itto-ryu took his place and then proceeded to the commentator's booth.
With the distinguished guest in position, the stage was set for the commencement of the matches, starting with the women's division.
The stage was now set for the showdown between Tokyo Metropolitan High School and Sobu High School in the women's division. Kotonoha, representing Sobu High School, took on the initial challenges. She managed to overcome three opponents from Tokyo Metropolitan High School, all of whom were at a lower level three, but was eventually defeated by the vice-captain, who stood at the peak of level three.
In response, the vice-captain faced Saeko, and the outcome was decisive – Saeko soundly defeated her opponent. Now, the final battle loomed, pitting the captains of the two teams against each other.
"It's been a while, Saeko. You've become strong, and it seems like you've improved a lot in the past few years. But I will win this tournament," declared Maki, the captain of Tokyo Metropolitan High School.
Saeko smiled confidently in response, "Yeah, it's been a while, and I will defeat you this time. I want to show him that our efforts were not in vain, and I will prove that I'm the strongest woman kendo practitioner."
Maki noticed Saeko's glance and followed her gaze, realizing that it was directed at someone in the audience. She turned her attention to the same spot and saw that Saeko was looking at the author she admired.
Maki had witnessed Hachiman's prowess in kendo during the previous day's matches and couldn't believe that her favorite author was participating in this tournament. She was aware of his strength in kendo and couldn't help but contemplate the potential interactions they might have, especially considering her deal with her father. However, Maki was determined not to be easily defeated.
The host introduced the grand finals battle between the captains, emphasizing their backgrounds from the famous Three Great Kendo Clans.
"The two skilled practitioners hail from the renowned Three Great Kendo Clans – Maki Zenin from the Zenin Clan and Saeko Busujima from the Busujima Clan. This is their rematch, as they previously faced off in a children's kendo tournament, where Saeko Busujima suffered defeat. Will the Kendo Flower, Saeko Busujima, get her revenge today, or will Maki Zenin snatch the championship?"
"Let the battle begin!" the host declared with enthusiastic anticipation.