The day's sparring session had done little to ease the growing tension in the academy. Leo's victory over Yuno had further solidified his reputation among the students. While many were starting to see him as a beacon of hope for change, the atmosphere among the Five Supreme Swords had only grown more apprehensive. For them, Leo's presence was more than just a curiosity—it was a threat to the status quo.
As night fell, the academy's grounds became quieter, save for the occasional patrolling guards and distant sounds of crickets. Leo made his way to the north courtyard, keeping a careful eye on his surroundings. He knew this meeting with Rin Onigawara could easily be a setup, but he was determined to face whatever awaited him.
When he arrived, he found Rin already there, standing under the dim light of a courtyard lantern. Her expression was stern, her arms crossed as she waited. Leo approached cautiously, stopping a few feet away from her.
"You came," Rin said without preamble, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him.
Leo nodded. "You asked for a meeting. I figured it was important."
Rin didn't respond immediately. She seemed to be weighing her words carefully, as if deciding how much to reveal. "You've caused quite a stir since you arrived, Leo. And while some might find it entertaining, it's becoming a problem."
Leo remained calm, his gaze steady. "I didn't come here to stir up trouble. But I won't back down when challenged."
Rin's eyes flashed with a mixture of frustration and something else—respect, perhaps? "I'm not talking about the challenges or the fights. I'm talking about the boys. You've given them… hope. And that hope could lead to chaos."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "Chaos? Or change?"
Rin's lips pressed into a thin line. "You don't understand this place. The traditions, the structure—they exist for a reason. Balance is crucial here. If that balance tips too far, it could lead to more than just a few fights. It could lead to an all-out conflict."
Leo sensed there was more to her concerns than she was letting on. "And what about you, Rin? What do you want?"
She hesitated, her gaze softening just a fraction. "I want to maintain order. And I want to protect this academy. If that means dealing with someone like you… then so be it."
Before Leo could respond, a rustling sound came from the bushes nearby. He turned his head slightly, his senses on high alert. From the shadows emerged Mary Kikakujou, her eyes cool and calculating as always. She stepped into the dim light, giving a brief nod to Rin.
"Mary," Rin acknowledged. "What are you doing here?"
Mary smiled faintly. "I was curious to see how this meeting would go. It seems I arrived just in time."
Leo glanced between the two girls, trying to gauge the situation. "What's this? A team effort?"
Mary chuckled softly. "Not quite. But Rin does have a point. Your presence here is stirring things up. And while I'm not opposed to a bit of disruption, I'm more interested in understanding your motives."
Leo shrugged. "I just want to survive here, like anyone else. But if I can make things better for others in the process, I'm not against that either."
Rin seemed to relax slightly, though her guard was still up. "You really believe you can change things, don't you?"
Leo met her gaze firmly. "Maybe. But I won't know until I try."
There was a brief silence, the tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. Then, to Leo's surprise, Rin extended a hand.
"Consider this a warning, Leo," she said, her voice steady. "But also… an offer. If you really want to make a difference, you'll need allies. And I'd rather keep my enemies close than let them run wild."
Leo looked at her hand for a moment, considering his options. He knew this could easily be a trap, but it could also be a chance to gain valuable insight into the Supreme Swords' inner workings. Slowly, he reached out and shook her hand.
"Alright," he said. "I'm in."
Mary watched the exchange with a small smile. "This should be interesting. But don't think we're friends, Leo. We'll be watching you closely."
Leo nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Fair enough. Just know I'm watching back."
The following days at the academy were filled with a sense of uneasy anticipation. The students sensed that something was brewing, though most couldn't put their finger on exactly what. The boys, however, continued to rally around Leo, emboldened by his victories and his growing reputation as someone who could stand up to the Five Supreme Swords.
The girls, meanwhile, seemed divided. Some, like Yuno, were intrigued by Leo's boldness and were eager to see more of what he could do. Others were wary, sensing the potential for trouble.
As Leo continued his training and day-to-day activities, he found himself approached by more and more students—some curious, others challenging. He was becoming a central figure in the academy, whether he liked it or not.
One afternoon, as Leo was practicing in the training grounds with Nomura and Masuko, a group of students gathered nearby, curious to see the "boy who defied the Supreme Swords." Among the crowd, Leo noticed Warabi Hanasaka with her entourage of followers. She had a commanding presence, and her strict demeanor made her stand out.
Warabi approached Leo, her expression serious and her kendo stick resting on her shoulder. "Leo," she called out, "you've been stirring up quite a bit of excitement around here."
Leo turned to face her, already guessing where this was heading. "And what about it?"
Warabi crossed her arms. "You're giving the boys too much confidence. We have traditions here, and I won't let some newcomer disrupt them. If you're so strong, prove it by competing in my Warabi Games."
Leo knew about the Warabi Games—an event where Warabi and her followers challenged others in a series of athletic competitions, usually resulting in her team's overwhelming victory. It wasn't just about strength; it was about teamwork, strategy, and endurance.
"Alright," Leo said, his voice steady. "I'm in. What are the rules?"
Warabi smirked. "Simple. You and your friends against me and my squad. Three challenges: Kendo, sumo, and capture the flag. Win two out of three, and you'll earn my respect."
Nomura, standing beside Leo, looked a bit nervous but nodded in agreement. Masuko seemed excited, grinning from ear to ear. "Sounds fun! Let's do it."
Leo gave a nod. "Let's get started then."
The announcement of the Warabi Games spread quickly, and soon, a large crowd had gathered around the training grounds. Warabi's squad—composed of some of the strongest girls at the academy—looked formidable. But Leo wasn't going to back down.
The first event was Kendo. Warabi's followers lined up in full gear, ready to face Leo's team. Leo picked up his shinai, a wooden practice sword, and took his position. He'd fought with swords before, but Kendo was a bit different. It was more about precision and discipline.
The match began, and Leo was up against one of Warabi's top fighters. She came at him quickly, her strikes sharp and powerful. Leo blocked and countered, staying light on his feet. The crowd watched in anticipation, murmuring among themselves.
"Come on, Leo!" one of the boys shouted. "Show them what you've got!"
Leo kept his focus, reading his opponent's movements. When he saw an opening, he struck—quick and decisive. His shinai made contact, and the crowd erupted in cheers. He had won the first match.
The subsequent matches were tougher, but Leo's team managed to hold their own. By the end of the Kendo event, they were tied with Warabi's squad.
Next came the sumo challenge. Warabi herself stepped into the ring for this one, her eyes locked onto Leo. She wasn't just known for her skill with a sword—her strength was legendary.
"Ready?" she asked, a grin spreading across her face.
Leo nodded. He had faced strong opponents before, but Warabi's confidence was unsettling. The match began, and Leo could immediately feel the difference in their power. Warabi charged forward, her movements quick and deliberate. Leo tried to sidestep and use her momentum against her, but she was too experienced for such tricks.
Warabi caught him by the waist and lifted him off the ground, tossing him out of the ring effortlessly. The crowd gasped, and some of Warabi's followers cheered loudly.
"Don't underestimate me," Warabi said, her tone serious. "Strength isn't just about muscles. It's about willpower."
Leo got back to his feet, dusting himself off. He couldn't help but smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
With Warabi's win in the sumo challenge, the games were tied 1-1. Everything now hinged on the final event: Capture the Flag.
The crowd moved to the academy's forested area, where the final challenge would take place. The rules were simple: each team had a flag hidden deep within the forest, and the goal was to capture the opponent's flag and bring it back without losing their own.
Leo gathered his team and laid out a plan. "We need to split up. Masuko, you guard our flag. Nomura and I will go on the offensive. Stay sharp and be quick."
Warabi, on the other hand, seemed to have her own strategy in mind. She placed her squad members strategically throughout the forest, creating a formidable defensive line while a few of her fastest members went on the offense.
As the game began, Leo quickly realized that Warabi's team was well-coordinated. They moved like a single unit, each member covering the other's blind spots. But Leo had a knack for improvisation. He darted through the trees, using his speed and agility to outmaneuver Warabi's defenders. Nomura, though not as fast, provided a valuable distraction, drawing attention away from Leo.
Suddenly, Leo spotted the enemy flag, hanging from a branch up ahead. He moved in swiftly, but just as he was about to grab it, Warabi appeared in front of him, blocking his path.
"You've got guts, Leo," she said, smirking. "But this is as far as you go."
Leo knew he couldn't match her in a direct fight, especially not after the sumo challenge. Instead, he decided to use his surroundings. He feigned a charge, then quickly ducked and rolled to the side, grabbing a handful of dirt and throwing it at Warabi's face. She stumbled back, momentarily blinded, and Leo seized the opportunity. He grabbed the flag and took off running.
Behind him, Warabi roared, "Get him!"
Leo sprinted through the trees, dodging branches and ducking under vines. He could hear the footsteps of Warabi's team closing in behind him. When he reached Nomura, he tossed the flag to him. "Go, Nomura! I'll hold them off!"
Nomura caught the flag and ran for their base as fast as he could. Leo turned to face the oncoming group of girls. He fought defensively, buying just enough time for Nomura to cross the finish line with their flag.
A loud cheer erupted from the boys in the crowd as Nomura held the flag high, victorious. Warabi's team stopped in their tracks, clearly disappointed but also impressed.
Warabi approached Leo, her expression unreadable at first. Then, she extended a hand. "You're better than I thought. You've got my respect."
Leo shook her hand, a smile on his face. "Thanks. You're pretty tough yourself."
The crowd dispersed, and as they walked back, Nomura patted Leo on the back. "Nice work, Leo. I think you've officially shaken things up around here."
Masuko grinned. "And we're just getting started."
Later that evening, Leo was approached by Mary and Rin. They seemed more relaxed than before, but still cautious.
"Leo," Mary said, "we've been watching you closely. You're not like the other boys here. You're… different."
Rin nodded. "If you're serious about wanting to make a change, maybe we can help each other out. Just don't think we're friends yet."
Leo considered their words carefully. "I'm willing to listen."
As the three of them walked off, discussing their tentative alliance, Leo realized that things at this academy were about to get even more interesting.
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