Chapter 173: Hachiman vs Saeko, Maki, and Kotonoha
As Hachiman knelt, savoring the rich aroma of the coffee that Kotonoha had prepared, his gaze wandered to the two girls who were engaged in another spirited sparring session. The graceful fluidity of their movements and their evident dedication to Kendo make him smile, and he couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of their lithe, athletic bodies.
"Hey, Hachiman, let's have a sparring match. You'd better finish that coffee quickly," Maki chimed in, her tomboyish enthusiasm shining through as she eagerly challenged him. She was determined to prove herself after the earlier awkward situation.
Hachiman, however, shook his head with a wry smile, admiring Maki's spirited nature. "Hold on, Maki. You should take a moment to rest. You've just finished sparring."
Maki nodded, acknowledging her fatigue. Despite having achieved the title of sword master just a few months ago, she was aware of her limitations. She had recently defeated Kotonoha in a match but couldn't do so swiftly, and she was yet to surpass Saeko. As the eldest among them, Maki felt a tinge of embarrassment that she hadn't claimed victory even once since Saeko's triumph in the tournament.
Maki's eagerness to spar with Hachiman stemmed from her belief that training with him allowed her to improve at a faster rate. She was convinced that facing his skill and experience would push her to grow as a Kendo practitioner more rapidly.
After a deliberate ten-minute coffee break, Hachiman had finally finished his drink. He turned his attention to Maki, ready to engage in their sparring session. "Maki, I'm finished with my coffee. Let's have our match now."
Maki couldn't help but complain to him, saying, "You're so slow; it's like watching an old man savor his tea."
Hachiman merely smiled, understanding that his leisurely pace was intentional, giving Maki time to recover.
He thought to himself, "Well, I was admiring Saeko and Kotonoha, and that's why I took my time. Besides, it's crucial for you to catch your breath before our spar."
Addressing Saeko and Kotonoha, Hachiman suggested, "You two should take a break. This tomboy is too impatient to be beaten by me."
Maki retorted indignantly, "You bastard, I'm not a tomboy!" She was clearly ready, her stance showing her determination.
Saeko and Kotonoha exchanged knowing looks, fully aware of the ongoing banter between Hachiman and Maki, and they took a moment to rest as they watched their husband prepare for their spirited match.
"Maki, come at me," Hachiman beckoned, indicating his readiness for their sparring session.
Without a moment's hesitation, Maki launched herself at Hachiman with incredible speed, her determination evident in every stride. Her rapid approach was so astonishing that even Kotonoha couldn't help but be surprised. Hachiman didn't need to remind her to attack; she was already closing in with fierce intent.
With her bamboo sword raised, Maki delivered a powerful slashing strike aimed directly at Hachiman. However, Hachiman was well-prepared, swiftly moving to block her attack.
The clash of bamboo swords generated a resounding impact that echoed throughout the dojo. Maki took a step back, her eyes reflecting her unwavering determination as she prepared for another assault.
This time, rather than employing a slashing motion, she attempted to thrust her bamboo sword at Hachiman's stomach. To Hachiman, her thrust seemed slow, and he easily sidestepped the attack.
Watching this battle, Saeko and Kotonoha were left stunned; this was no longer a Kendo sparring but had evolved into a true battle.
Maki was aware of this transformation, and her determination to beat Hachiman burned within her. She understood that defeating him was a challenging task, but as long as she could find an opening, she believed she had a chance.
If Hachiman could read Maki's thoughts, he would have chuckled, as he had no real weaknesses. With his nearly maximized physique, fighting skills, and Kendo expertise, there were very few openings to exploit.
Minutes passed, and the battle continued. But Hachiman, now determined to bring it to an end, spotted an opening and executed a swift slash from down to up, disarming Maki as her bamboo sword went flying, signifying her defeat.
"I lost," Maki admitted with a hint of sadness in her expression as she gazed at the ground.
"You did your best, Maki-senpai," Kotonoha consoled her.
"Indeed, Maki. Your effort was admirable," Saeko chimed in.
"Besides, you did set a new record because this match is much longer than the previous sparring match against me ," Hachiman couldn't resist teasing Maki, who responded with an angry glare.
"Okay, okay, no need for that look. You three together should spar with me," Hachiman suggested, directing his challenge to Maki, Saeko, and Kotonoha.
The three of them eagerly agreed to the challenge and prepared to spar with Hachiman.
The battle began with a resounding clash of bamboo swords, filling the dojo with intense energy. Hachiman moved gracefully, his strikes precise, and his footwork impeccable.
Maki, Saeko, and Kotonoha worked as a team, coordinating their movements to outmaneuver Hachiman. They were determined to find any opening in his defense, but Hachiman's skills were impervious. He effortlessly parried their attacks.
Hachiman maintained control throughout the match, never wavering.
Despite their best efforts, Maki, Saeko, and Kotonoha couldn't find a way to land a decisive blow on Hachiman. He moved with calculated ease, dodging, parrying, and counterattacking as if he could predict their every move.
As the match approached its conclusion, Hachiman unleashed a series of lightning-fast strikes that left Saeko, Kotonoha, and Maki stunned. He skillfully used his sword techniques to disarm each of them one by one, and the bamboo swords clattered to the ground. Hachiman stood victorious, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Alright, I'm heading out," Maki said, glancing at the clock in the dojo. She quickly gathered her belongings, double-checking to ensure she didn't forget the manuscript and other essentials before making her way to the exit. She explained that she had other tasks to attend to that day, which was why she needed to leave early.
"Goodbye, Maki-senpai," Kotonoha bid her farewell.
"Goodbye, Maki," Saeko added.
"Bye, Maki. Take care on your way. If you run into any delinquents, don't worry, I'm sure they won't be interested in you. After all, with your 'gorilla' image, who would want to bother?" Hachiman teased, making sure he had the last word before her departure.
Maki left, opting to ignore Hachiman's teasing, preventing any potential argument from arising.
Hachiman just shrugged as he saw Maki ignore him and leave the dojo.
As Maki departed, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement as his eyes settled on Saeko and Kotonoha bodies, gazing at them with desire.
As the fun began, Hachiman's gaze towards Saeko and Kotonoha didn't go unnoticed. They couldn't help but smile back at him, acknowledging the subtle attraction.
However, their time together was interrupted when Kotonoha's phone rang. She answered the call from her mother, and as the conversation unfolded, her expression shifted from a smile to a more concerned look.
"Hello, Mom... Oh... I see... Alright," Kotonoha spoke into the phone.
After ending the call, Kotonoha turned to Hachiman with an apologetic expression. "Hachiman, I'm really sorry, but my mom just called, and she needs me to come home. She's leaving, and my little sister Kokoro will be alone. I can't leave her unattended."
Hachiman smiled understandingly, though he couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. "It's okay, Kotonoha. Family comes first. Go take care of your sister."
Kotonoha left, leaving Hachiman and Saeko alone in the dojo. Hachiman turned his attention to Saeko, but her expression seemed strange. She, too, wore an apologetic look as she addressed him.
"Sorry, Hachiman. My father and other relatives are returning home today, and I need to be there to greet them."
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