Formal kendo matches usually consist of three rounds. Haruka sat there for a while, waiting, but she noticed that her opponent had gone to chat with someone else. Out of curiosity, she glanced over and immediately saw Kazuya.
To be honest, her mood had been bad for over a week because of this guy. Losing a significant amount of money was a major blow. When she calculated the accounts at home, it amounted to a loss of over 2.5 million yen over three years. Thinking about those losses, Haruka felt her stomach ache again. She swore to herself that she would make Saori Hayami and Kazuya Matsuoka pay for this. Especially Kazuya, that arrogant guy who had the audacity to pretend not to know her at the cafeteria during lunch. He dared to insult her deliberately! Fine, very well, just wait for what's coming!
After glaring at Kazuya for a while, Haruka looked at the bamboo sword beside her and suddenly had an idea. Fighting at school would surely lead to punishment, possibly even a disciplinary record that could affect future prospects. That's why she had to endure the humiliation at the cafeteria during lunch and refrain from kicking him. But now, they were in the dojo...
Her black eyes rolled in thought, and she promptly got up, walking towards Kazuya. However, before she got close, she overheard his lackey making a sly comment, "...at most 145 cms."
Her eyelids twitched, and her crescent-shaped eyes narrowed. She took a look at Yuma. Sharp-nosed and small-eyed, short hair, lecherous gaze, a sleazy figure... even his lackey looked like a villain. Birds of a feather flock together, none of them are good people. She must decisively rid this pest in the world!
However, she remained calm and approached Ippei, asking politely, "Senpai, do we need to continue the match?"
Ippei turned around, answered gladly, "No need. Your skill is excellent! Sakura, I wish to see you winning the county competition in the women's division this year!"
Haruka bowed, "You're too kind, Senpai. I still need more practice." Then, she lifted her head and casually inquired, "Senpai, are these three also here to join the club?"
"That's right. Oh, let me introduce them. They are your classmates, Shin Shimazaki, Kazuya Matsuoka, and Yuma Uchida."
Haruka cast a sidelong glance at Yuma. Yuma Uchida, I'll remember this name!
While harboring resentment, she politely bowed to the three and said, "I'm Haruka Sakura from Class C, first year. It's an honor to meet you all. Please take care of me."
Shin and Yuma bowed simultaneously, "We look forward to working with you, Sakura."
Kazuya, a bit slower to react, bowed hurriedly, "Nice to meet you!"
Haruka kept her head down, giving the impression of being sincerely humble. But in reality, she just didn't want to show her angry face. With her height advantage, unless everyone present lay down, no one would see her expression.
This pretty boy was arrogant, late in returning the bow, and seemingly unwilling. He obviously looked down on her, right? She took a few deep breaths to suppress the anger. Even though she was seething, she turned to Ippei with a sweet smile, inquiring, "Senpai, do you want to test their skills? If needed, I can help you."
"About this..." Ippei considered it for a moment, feeling that Haruka was now considered part of their club, so there was no harm in mentioning the truth. He said frankly, "Among them, only Shin is a regular player. Kazuya and Yuma are just there in name, helping us get more funds from the Student Council. I know Shin, so there's no need to test it."
"I see..." Haruka was still not satisfied. She suddenly turned to Kazuya and said with a smile, "Matsuoka, since you're here, why not give it a try? Kendo is a very interesting sport."
Her face was full of smiles, but there was a dangerous glint in her eyes. Kazuya hesitated before replying, but Haruka became a bit impatient, "If you're not willing, just forget it!"
Her method of provocation wasn't very subtle, but Kazuya finally confirmed that Haruka had some sinister intentions. He was puzzled, unable to recall where he had offended her. It wasn't like he knew this girl, and the conflict was her drinking his soup at lunch.
He hesitated and didn't answer right away, but Yuma, who was eager to agree the advice, had already jumped out and exclaimed, "Matsuoka, let me try! let me try!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I want to thave a try. Hahaha!" Yuma laughed like an excited hooligan, making Haruka even more irritated.
Ippei didn't object either. Since they were all free, a little competition wouldn't hurt. Besides, it was an opportunity to see if Uchida had any potential. If he did, they could try to convince him to switch from being a nominal member to a regular one. He turned to Kenji Nakano, "Nakano, take Uchida to change into his protective gear." Keiji Nakano, a second-year student, had to follow the order and ran over to get Yuma ready. Kazuya tried to persuade Yuma, "Uchida, don't be silly! Didn't we just have to fill out a form and register our names?"
Yuma looked at Haruka, who had turned around to prepare herself, and said with a big grin, "Just having some fun. Don't worry, I guarantee I'll win. Today, you'll see the majestic performance of Yuma Uchida!"
Although he had seen Ippei being knocked down by Haruka earlier, Yuma wasn't concerned at all. He thought Ippei was foolish, not exploiting his advantages. After all, it was a new school with weak clubs. How could someone like Haruka, who was short and had short arms, beat him? Even if she wanted to hit him, she probably couldn't reach him. Even though he was only a nominal member of the Kendo Club, he wanted the Kendo Club members to witness his prowess!
Before entering the men's changing room, Yuma glanced at Haruka, who was still tying her headband. There was a hint of pity in his eyes—hopefully, this wouldn't leave her with a lifetime trauma, haha.
Not wasting time, Yuma changed into his clothes and protective gear. He swung the bamboo sword a few times to get a feel for it, then crouched at the starting line of the match. On the other side, Haruka had been sitting patiently, waiting for a while.
Ippei served as the referee. Typically, official matches require three referees, but for these internal club practice matches, one referee was sufficient.
Watching the players on the field, Kazuya asked Shin, "How do we determine the outcome determined in a kendo match? Is it considered a win if someone is knocked down?"
"Not so easy." Shin observed the match and noticed that Yuma's girdle was loose due to his fidgeting. And Ippei was angrily directing him to tighten it. He quickly explained the rules to Kazuya.
Although Kendo evolved from ancient fencing and inherited many traditions from it, it differs from practical combat techniques focused on defeating the enemy. Kendo is a competitive sport with strict rules regarding equipment, scoring, and timing.
For example, in practice, wooden swords or even blunt wooden blades may be used. In competitions, participants use hollow bamboo swords at the same length. Even if they accidentally strike an unprotected area, it won't cause significant harm. A scorable point in a kendo competition is defined as an accurate strike or thrust made onto specified target areas of the opponent's protective gear with the bamboo swords making contact at its target areas, the competitor displaying high spirits, correct posture and followed by zanshin(残心).
"Zanshin", or continuation of awareness, must be present and shown throughout the execution of the strike and the player must be mentally and physically ready to attack again. For example, swiftly moving out of the opponent's counter-attack range or assuming a defensive posture for a potential follow-up strike.
In competition, there are usually three referees. Each referee holds a red flag and a white flag in opposing hands. To award a point, a referee raises the flag corresponding to the color of the ribbon worn by the scoring competitor. Usually, at least two referees must agree for a point to be awarded. Round is stopped after each point is awarded. Kendo competitions are usually a three-point match. The first competitor to score two points wins the match. If the time limit is reached and only one competitor has a point, that competitor wins.
There are numerous other rules because of the spirit of Bushido. For example, using words to confuse or insult opponents during a match leads to an automatic loss. Intentionally tripping opponents, grabbing their bamboo swords, or physically striking them are all considered fouls, resulting in point deductions or immediate disqualification.