"So, to stop me from competing in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, you want to make me lose this final match in the qualifiers?"
In that moment, everything around Okita Souji seemed to turn against her—the air, the sunlight, the wind, the flowers and grass—all radiated hostility that prickled her skin.
It was as if, with even one misstep, every part of the world would become a threat, capable of injuring her, maybe even killing her. Yet, she managed a smile, speaking in a tone of mock complaint as she looked at Edelweiss.
"Even if it's your right as my older sister not to play fair, isn't this a little much? I made promises, you know."
"Promises can be canceled," Edelweiss replied in a cold, detached voice, as chilling as a March wind.
"Since when are you one to lie, Edelweiss?" Okita said, her tone pointed as she gave a knowing smile. "I'd say you're the last person to break a promise."
The strongest swordswoman, Edelweiss, did indeed possess a special ability, the most powerful in all of causative interference.
Her mystic code was named Ritual of Sacred Oaths. If two people swore a vow in her presence, an invisible stake would pierce their hearts, enforcing the pledge. Should anyone violate it, the stake would tear their heart apart, costing them their life.
This was her one and only Noble Art—Immaculate Vow.
Perhaps due to this power, Edelweiss held all promises in high regard. Whether a formal contract or a spoken word, she despised those who broke their word.
"Then tell me—what's the reason for all this?"
What could drive her to say something so contrary to her nature?
"Even if it means making you hate me, I will not let you leave here."
And then, in her hands, a sword appeared.
The Edelweiss holding a sword was a completely different person from the one without. Her already intimidating aura surged, reaching a level that made Okita feel an intense pressure.
"You will stay here, right by me, until your match has come and gone. I can't lose my most important little sister."
"…I'm sorry, Sister."
Okita drew a deep breath, then unsheathed her cherished Kiku-ichimonji Norimune, assuming the familiar middle guard stance.
"Honoring my word is one of the few principles I truly hold dear, so I have to go. Oh, and…"
In her amber eyes, Edelweiss's image was reflected, brimming with a gentle warmth.
"…I could never hate you, Sister."
For a split second, Edelweiss's expression faltered, but then she pressed her lips together, furrowing her brow as she steadied her resolve.
"I'm the older sister. It's my duty to protect you."
The state of the world was irrelevant to her.
For you, my sister… I want a lifetime of peace.
The kind of life I once had but can never have again. I don't want you to know what that feels like.
"Then at least tell me why," Okita urged, her curiosity overtaking the fear she felt as Edelweiss's presence climbed to near-overwhelming heights. "If you're so set against it, is there something different about this year's Seven Stars Sword Art Festival?"
Edelweiss fell silent, seemingly torn over whether to reveal the truth.
She wanted to keep Okita from being drawn into a dangerous vortex, one she herself had willingly entered long ago and could never leave.
But maybe… just telling her the reason wouldn't draw Okita in too deeply, would it?
"…The Revolutionary Army."
The world now was held in a delicate balance by three main forces, keeping the surface peace intact.
One was the Alliance of Nations, advocating for global control through governance by powerful countries like the United States, China, and Russia.
The second was the International Knight Alliance, composed of smaller countries like Japan, advocating for cooperation and collective security among them.
Lastly, there was a dark, underground organization—the Insurgency Army—a massive international criminal syndicate existing as a third party.
Of course, "Insurgency Army" was merely what the Alliance and the Knight Association called them. They called themselves the Revolutionary Army.
The Revolutionary Army believed in "Blazers' Supremacy"—that the world should be ruled by Blazers, and ordinary people should serve them. However, those civilians who willingly joined the Revolutionary Army would be awarded the title "Honorary Citizen," granting them privileges above other ordinary people should the Army gain control of the world.
Edelweiss called them the Revolutionary Army instead of the Insurgency Army, as she herself, "the world's most notorious criminal," was loosely associated with them.
But due to her formidable power, the Revolutionary Army dared not issue commands to her, leaving her free to act as she wished, free from their orders or oversight.
For years, Edelweiss had kept Okita sheltered, so even the Revolutionary Army, while aware of Edelweiss's little sister, knew nothing about her true identity.
The Alliance and the Knight Association knew even less.
This was the only reason Okita had been able to enroll in Hagun Academy.
She'd been a little worried when Edelweiss's presence was revealed to Kurono Shinguji, afraid her association with the "world's most infamous criminal" might be discovered by the authorities.
Yet even now, her life had gone on unchanged, suggesting that Shinguji hadn't reported her sister's identity. Okita couldn't guess her reasons, but she was deeply grateful for it.
And now, Edelweiss brought up the Revolutionary Army.
"I learned recently that the Revolutionary Army is planning an attack on the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. If word gets out, both the Alliance and the Association will have no choice but to intervene."
The attention of all three powers would converge there.
If Okita really did participate in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, she would have no way to escape from the storm it would become.
"So, please, listen to me and come back with me."
Edelweiss's voice softened with a pleading tone that almost shook Okita's resolve.
"If you're so set on joining the festival, you could always enter again next year. But just this once, listen to me and let's go home."
The way her dear sister was looking at her, speaking to her in such an imploring tone… Okita felt almost bad refusing her.
"…Sister." Okita sighed, shaking her head gently. "You've kept me so well-protected."
"Because that's what sisters do. I'll always protect you."
"But you can't protect me like this forever."
"I'll grow stronger, strong enough to protect you against the entire world if I must! So long as—"
"But that's not what I want!"
Okita's voice rang out in protest, her amber eyes meeting Edelweiss's gaze directly.
"Sister, do you realize how happy I've been since coming here?"
Her expression softened, as though recalling a treasured memory, and her tone grew gentle.
"Before I arrived in this world, I was already blessed by many people. On my first day here, I found you—a sister who cares for me so deeply. After that, I met so many more who became dear to me…"
As if I don't feel the same.
That day, meeting you… It was a happiness I'll cherish forever.
"My future will hold even more precious encounters waiting for me. And there are people waiting for me right now."
As she spoke, Okita thought of a girl with gray hair and golden eyes, whom she'd once saved by chance and who had since followed her everywhere.
Just remembering that face brought a soft smile to Okita's lips.
"That's why I can't stop here."
Edelweiss seemed ready to protest, but Okita's next words silenced her completely.
"Besides, if you're always protecting me, how will I ever protect you?"
In that moment, Edelweiss's gaze wavered for the first time.
"…You want to protect me?"
"Of course."
"You don't have the strength for that."
"Then I'll just get stronger. Isn't that what you always tell me?"
"You'll be drawn into a vortex of chaos, and your life will no longer be your own."
"That's not important."
Okita's voice was firm. "If it's a sister's duty to protect, then it's a sister's duty to stay by her side, right?"
"You've always been by my side," Edelweiss replied, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Yes, but I've let you fight alone for our future."
What Okita wanted was to stand beside Edelweiss in battle, not hide behind her like a burden.
Edelweiss faltered, struck by both Okita's words and the unwavering determination in her amber eyes.
Could it be… that I'm wrong?
I just want to keep her safe, to keep her with me always…
Her mind drifted to something her sword master had once told her:
"If you're ever uncertain, draw your blade."
And then, Okita felt Edelweiss's fearsome sword aura surge again.
"Oh dear. Looks like I'm not the protagonist who wins with talk," Okita chuckled, as if she'd expected this outcome.
"I don't know which of us is right or wrong," Edelweiss murmured.
With an almost angelic grace, the twin silver swords spread out like white wings in her hands, making her seem both like a divine angel and a fierce Valkyrie.
"So, we'll settle this with our swords. If you truly believe you belong by my side, show me strength that will make me yield."
So, I'm Ichigo, not Naruto, huh?
Standing before the highest peak in the world, Okita could feel the difference between them so clearly.
There's no way I can win…
Even with her heightened instincts, she couldn't glimpse a single path to victory.
The gap was far too vast.
But still…
"I have no choice."
With an exhilarated smile, Okita raised her sword.
Then, aiming straight for the towering summit before her, she charged.
---
If you notice anything that feels off, just let me know—I don't mind fixing things up.
Oh, and don't forget to sit up, grab some water, and take it easy while you're here. No rush, right?
If you're into this, consider checking out [patreon.com/WiseTL].
Your support helps me keep going, and I'm grateful for every bit of it.