Saturday soon arrived, and early in the morning, Masashi, Kazumi, and Rumi took the bus to the Tokyo Kyumeikan Kendo Dojo.
As they entered the venue, they saw members of the school kendo club and a few instructors already there. Nearby, there were also people from other schools preparing for the event.
"Hello, Sir. Hello, Mafang-senpai. Sorry I'm late," Rumi bowed to the kendo club's instructor, Omura Kusaka, and another girl.
"No, you're not late at all. We're just early. Did you rest well last night?" Omura said kindly.
"Thank you, Sir. I rested well."
"That's good to hear. Our school hasn't placed in several years, so let's aim for a good result this time."
"I'll do my best, Sir."
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself; just do your best," said the girl named Mafang.
"Yes."
"Are these your friends?" Omura asked, looking at Masashi and Kazumi.
"Sir, this is my senior, Gennai Masashi, and his sister, Gennai Kazumi. They're my closest friends. Can they sit here?"
"But only competitors or instructors are allowed to stay here; others need to sit in the spectator area," said Mafang Junko, the kendo club manager, looking slightly troubled.
"Can we make an exception? I'd like my senior to watch my match closely so he can help point out my weaknesses," Rumi continued to ask.
"Oh, so Mr. Gennai knows kendo too?" Omura looked at Masashi.
"I know a bit," Masashi replied calmly.
"Since Rumi has requested it, all right. They can stay here to watch. Do your best, Rumi." Omura didn't think much of Rumi's request, as Masashi didn't look like a kendo expert to him.
Rumi was thrilled that Masashi could stay, and after sitting down with Kazumi, she began telling them about the history of the kendo hall.
While listening, Masashi observed the hall, which was said to be over thirty years old. It was very spacious, well-lit, and had a wooden floor. Around the edges were shinai and protective gear, and many people were practicing, their shouts echoing through the hall.
"Mafang, where are Ogata and the others? Have you notified them?" Omura looked at his watch, looking a bit concerned as he asked Mafang Junko, the kendo club manager.
"I notified him yesterday. Maybe they're running late. I'll call his house to check."
"Please do."
Just as Mafang Junko was about to make the call, several boys rushed in, panting.
"Sorry, Sir, we're late," one of the boys said first.
"Ogata, as the team captain, how can you be late? And why are you all late with him?" Omura asked with a stern look.
"Sir, we were practicing late last night to prepare for today's match, so we overslept. Please forgive us."
"Is that true?" Omura looked at the other boys.
"Yes, we were all practicing at Ogata-senpai's house until midnight. Please forgive us, Sir," the boys answered in unison.
"I'll let it slide this time, but don't be late again. And don't practice so late in the future. Go prepare." Omura's face softened a bit after hearing their explanation.
"Yes, Sir."
Watching them exchange proud looks behind Omura's back, Masashi couldn't help but smile.
"Rumi, you're here," Ogata said, noticing Rumi sitting beside Kazumi.
"Hello, Ogata-san."
"Please, no need to be so formal; just call me Masato. When did you get here?" Ogata sat down next to Rumi.
"I arrived about an hour ago," Rumi replied calmly.
"Are these your friends?" Ogata looked at Masashi.
"This is my senior, Gennai Masashi, and his sister, Gennai Kazumi. They came to cheer me on today. Senpai, Kazumi, this is Ogata Masato-senpai from our kendo club. He's in his second year."
"Hello, I'm Ogata Masato. It's nice to meet you both." Ogata looked Masashi over.
"Hello," Masashi replied.
Kazumi didn't speak, only giving a slight nod.
"Senpai, would you like something to drink? I can go get it for you."
"I'll go. You stay here and chat with Kazumi. Kazumi, you want coffee, right? Rumi, what about you?"
"I'll have a soda," Rumi replied without hesitation.
"What about you, Ogata-san?" Masashi turned to ask Ogata.
"No, thanks. I'm not thirsty, and our manager will prepare everything for us."
"In that case, forget it."