Watching Masashi leave the dojo, Ogata asked, "Rumi, you seem close with Masashi. Is he a relative of yours?"
"No, Senpai is someone very important to me, and also my lifelong goal."
"What? You… you're pursuing him?" Ogata was so shocked he nearly dropped his jaw.
Kazumi, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh; only she knew what Rumi truly meant by "goal." But Rumi had no idea how much misunderstanding this could cause.
"Yes." Although Rumi felt the wording was a bit odd, she answered firmly.
"What's so great about that guy?" Ogata asked, surprised and a bit annoyed.
Hearing this, Kazumi frowned and gave him a cold look.
"Ogata-san, please don't insult Senpai. I won't tolerate anyone being disrespectful to him," Rumi said seriously.
"You…" Intimidated by Rumi's determination, Ogata didn't say anything more. Just then, Omura called him over, and he reluctantly walked away.
At nine o'clock, the event organizer gathered all the participants and instructors together.
Then, a thin, half-bald old man in his fifties or sixties, wearing black-rimmed glasses, stepped up in front of everyone. A round of applause immediately erupted.
"Good morning, everyone. I am Kubo Akira, the director of Kyumeikan Dojo. It is an honor to host the annual Tokyo High School Kendo Competition here at our dojo. As always, I hope each of you will perform at your best and strive for good results."
Another round of applause followed.
Fortunately, the old man didn't ramble on; he only spoke a few words before stepping down. Next, the referees for the competition went over the usual rules and points of attention. After all this, the competition officially began.
Almost every high school in Tokyo participated in this event. Because of the large number of participants, the venue was divided into four sections for simultaneous matches.
The competition consisted of team and individual matches, with the team matches taking place today. The tournament followed an elimination format, making it highly competitive. Everywhere you could hear the sounds of bamboo swords clashing against armor, the shouts of competitors, and the referees calling to halt the matches. Some first-time competitors were so nervous that they looked pale or even trembled.
Midway through the competition, Masashi began yawning. After all, these were high schoolers, and their strength, skill, and aura were far different from adult kendo practitioners. Aside from one or two participants who showed some promise, most were not impressive.
Rumi's kendo club also competed in two matches, facing off against a private high school and a public high school. Except for one boy who lost, both Ogata as the captain and Rumi as the vice-captain won their matches. The instructors were delighted, and Omura even promised that if they won one more match, he would treat them to conveyor belt sushi.
"Senpai, how did I do just now?" As soon as her match was over, Rumi ran over to ask.
"The opponent was too weak to be of much reference. But still, congratulations on winning," Masashi said with a smile.
"Thank you, Senpai," Rumi replied, clearly pleased.
"Hmph, even if the opponent was weak, that's still better than those who only talk and don't act," Ogata sneered as he passed by them.
"Is he talking about me?" Masashi asked, puzzled.
Rumi stuck out her tongue, embarrassed to explain.
Although only the captain, vice-captain, and third seat could compete, almost every member of each school's kendo club was present. Everyone was shouting and cheering passionately for their teammates. It was noisy, but the atmosphere was lively.
At noon, the competition paused for lunch, and everyone went to eat.
Rumi wanted to invite Masashi to join them, but Masashi, remembering that he and Kazumi weren't part of the kendo club, didn't want to intrude, so he declined. He took Kazumi to a nearby restaurant for lunch instead.
Since the afternoon matches wouldn't start until two o'clock, they had plenty of time after lunch. Masashi and Kazumi took a stroll around the streets.
"Brother, do you think Rumi can win?" Kazumi asked as they walked.
"It's hard to say for the team matches, since it's a three-person competition. But in the individual matches, if she performs normally, she should at least place second, if not win."
"Wow, I didn't realize Rumi was so good. I never saw that before."
"She may be a bit scatterbrained, but that girl has quite a knack for it."
"Brother, Rumi told me you once sparred with her, but she couldn't even land a hit. When did you learn kendo? Can you tell me?" Kazumi looked at Masashi.
It seemed he couldn't avoid this question.
Masashi lowered his head, thinking for a moment, then looked into Kazumi's eyes. "Kazumi, there are some things I can't talk about, but you're my sister, and I don't want to lie to you. Could I keep a few secrets?"
Kazumi looked deeply at Masashi. After a moment, she smiled. Then she hugged his arm tightly, resting her head on his shoulder, and said softly, "Brother, if you don't want to tell me, it's okay. I really don't mind. Knowing that you genuinely care for me is enough. As long as you're by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."
Masashi didn't reply; he simply squeezed her hand. After a moment, he said, "The matches are about to start again. Let's head back."
"Mm." Kazumi leaned comfortably against him and replied softly.