"Rumi, congratulations on winning the match. It was impressive," Ogata said as he walked over, reminding himself to act gracefully.
"You're too kind, Ogata-kun," Rumi replied coolly.
Ogata sensed that Rumi was even colder toward him than before, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.
Rumi and Ogata each participated in two more matches. Since their opponents weren't particularly strong, they both smoothly advanced to the top 16.
In the afternoon, the round of 16 began. The competition area was reduced from four sections to one.
Rumi was up first, facing a tall, slender second-year student who had shown impressive performance in the team competition.
Just as the match was about to begin, Masashi's phone rang. He checked the caller ID, said something to Kazumi, and stepped outside.
"What's up, kid?" he answered.
"Master, why do you always assume I need something to call? Can't I just call for a chat?" Lei Li's voice had an almost childlike tone.
Masashi snapped back, "Stop sounding so cheesy. Out with it."
Lei Li's tone turned serious. "Master, I got reliable intel that the Yamaguchi-gumi in Japan is investigating you. They might even send people to track you. Be careful."
Masashi frowned slightly. "Is this because of our recent meetings?"
"Yes. The Yamaguchi-gumi has close ties with the American mob leader Donald King and acts as their primary supplier. It's likely Donald King asked them to check on you."
"And just who is this Donald King?"
"He's a gang leader who rose to power in recent years, building his empire through arms trafficking. Five years ago, he became the head of the Manhattan syndicate, and he's extended his influence to Japan. His operations focus primarily on drug trafficking, and he's rumored to have strong connections with the major drug lords of the Golden Triangle. Many gangs source their drugs through him."
"And how is he connected to the Black Dragon?"
After a pause, Lei Li finally spoke. "I plan to take him down."
"Ambitious, but I like the sound of it. Let me know if you need a hand."
"Thanks, Master."
After hanging up, Masashi smiled with interest. It seemed a bit of action might be just the thing.
When he returned to the competition hall, Rumi's match had already ended, and she had won as expected. Kazumi was talking with her in the resting area.
"Who's your next opponent?" Masashi asked, sitting beside Rumi.
"Most likely Hondo," she replied, glancing at the match progression board.
"Ah, that might be a good opportunity for you."
"Yes, Senpai, I'd like to test my skills against him," Rumi's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"A true fighter, aren't you? For winning your match, what would you like to drink?"
"Soda."
"Can't you try something different for once? Alright, Kazumi—coffee, right?"
"Yes."
"No, too adult-like for you. Make it green tea."
"No way. You're too domineering."
"That's my privilege as your brother," Masashi laughed as he went out.
Ogata was up in the fourth match, facing a strong opponent who had placed third last year.
"Senpai, do you think Ogata-kun will win?" Rumi asked Masashi.
"In terms of technique, they're about equal, but his opponent has more experience in big competitions. From a psychological standpoint, his opponent has the advantage. That's the conventional answer."
"And what's your personal view, Senpai?"
"Ogata will lose."
"Why?"
"He lacks the composure and calm that a swordsman should have, due to his personality. If a person can't control their emotions, how can they defeat others? I've watched his matches—he always charges in aggressively from the start. Quick as he is, he fails to exploit his opponent's weak points. Perhaps he can't even recognize them. This kind of approach might work against weaker opponents, but against someone who stays calm, he'll likely get countered. A barrage of attacks with no substance is less effective than a single, well-placed strike.
"Remember, when you attack, you reveal your own weaknesses. While attacking is often the best defense, unless you target the opponent's vulnerable spots, you put yourself at risk."
Rumi listened thoughtfully.
"Balancing offense and defense is a goal many martial artists aim for, but it's not the essence. If you ever surpass this level, you'll understand that offense and defense are, in fact, one and the same."
"Senpai, I don't understand."
"You won't grasp it until you reach that level. In China, there's an old saying: 'It can only be understood, not explained.' That's what it means."
"Thank you for the guidance, Senpai," Rumi replied respectfully.
Kazumi listened, absorbed.
As Masashi took his final sip of tea, Ogata lost the match.
The next round would be the quarterfinals, and Rumi was up first.
"Brother, do you think Rumi can win?" Kazumi asked, concerned after hearing Masashi's assessment of Hondo.
"Win or lose doesn't matter. Sometimes, failure teaches more than victory."
"Are you saying Rumi will lose?"
"I didn't say that. From my view, she has at least a seventy-percent chance of winning."
"Ugh, you're so cryptic." Kazumi sighed in relief.
As the siblings talked, the match had already started.
Rumi didn't underestimate her opponent at all, focusing intently on his movements. She leaned forward slightly, ready to launch an attack.
Seeing her stance, Hondo, in his black kendo uniform, realized he was up against a formidable opponent. He'd watched Rumi's previous matches, thinking she wasn't just a pretty face but not a serious threat. However, Rumi's intensity now made him feel an unprecedented pressure. Could she have been hiding her strength like he had? A chill ran through him.
In truth, Rumi wasn't holding back; her approach simply adapted to her opponent's style. The stronger the opponent, the better she performed. Conversely, weaker opponents made her struggle to perform at her best. This was why people initially mistook her for just a pretty face.
This adaptability was something Masashi admired. Though it didn't matter to someone like him, it was a potent weapon against most opponents. It was a result of Rumi's experience sparring with various opponents from a young age.
After a brief standoff, Rumi finally struck.
"A thrust?" Instructor Omura exclaimed.
Rumi aimed a piercing thrust at Hondo's throat with astonishing speed.
Hondo hadn't expected such a dangerous move from this quiet-looking girl, and he barely managed to block it in a fluster.
With a crack, their bamboo swords clashed, and Hondo was forced to retreat a step.
Rumi pursued him relentlessly, immediately launching a fierce series of attacks.
Hondo, fully on the defensive, retreated awkwardly as the crowd cheered excitedly.