"Brother, Rumi is about to win," Kazumi said excitedly, tugging at Masashi's sleeve.
Masashi didn't respond; instead, he had a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Kazumi asked anxiously, seeing his expression.
Masashi suddenly stood up and walked over to Omura.
Omura was watching intently, but Masashi interrupted, "Mr. Omura, could you pause the match after the first round?"
"Why?" Omura and the manager, Mafang Junko, looked at him curiously.
"Because Rumi's foot is injured."
"What? Really?" Both exclaimed, drawing the attention of Ogata and other team members.
"Yes, she told me before the match that her foot was hurting, and it seems to be getting worse. I'd like a pause in the match."
Omura looked skeptically at Rumi in the arena, unsure. "But she seems fine right now. Are you sure she told you that?"
"Yes. Please pause the match as soon as possible."
Seeing Masashi's firm expression, Omura started watching Rumi in the ring with suspicion.
At that moment, the match was intense. Having lost the advantage, Hondo was forced to retreat after a series of attacks until he was on the edge of the white line. With no room to back up, he launched a desperate counterattack, hoping to break out of the predicament.
Thus, what was initially a one-sided assault turned into an even exchange. Although Rumi had the upper hand initially, Hondo was cornered, which worked to her advantage.
But Hondo's true strength began to show. Despite being at a disadvantage, he managed to hold his own against Rumi.
"Brother, is it true?" Kazumi asked in a low voice, remembering that Rumi hadn't mentioned anything about an injury.
Masashi nodded.
"Out of bounds. Red side wins!" the referee on the sideline suddenly announced, raising the red flag.
Hondo's right heel had touched the white line, so Rumi had narrowly won the round.
"The red side has requested a pause in the match," Omura finally announced as both returned to the center.
"Rumi, your..." Omura began, but Masashi interrupted, immediately pulling off her right sock.
While others were surprised by his actions, Mafang Junko noticed Rumi's swollen ankle and quickly ran to the infirmary.
"When did this happen?" Masashi asked, looking at her.
"It must have been during the last match; I was stepped on. I thought it was nothing, so I didn't mention it," Rumi stammered.
"Unbelievable. It's swollen this badly, and you still thought it was fine." Masashi had her sit down, examining her foot.
Feeling Masashi's warm hand on her foot, Rumi blushed, experiencing a strange sensation she'd never felt before.
Others, observing Rumi's shy expression and seeing her delicate foot in Masashi's hand, felt their hearts race. For a moment, no one spoke, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Ogata burned with jealousy, wishing he could rush over to confront Masashi.
"Luckily, it's not fractured, but with this swelling, you can't keep competing. Withdraw from the match," Masashi said, turning to Omura.
"I see... well, if there's no other choice," Omura replied with disappointment.
"No, I want to continue the match," Rumi said loudly.
"I'm not letting you risk ruining your foot over a single match. There will be other chances."
"At least let me finish this match," Rumi pleaded.
"You've seen Hondo's strength. Continuing will likely mean a long fight, which isn't ideal. Just listen to me; there will be another time."
"No."
"You won't even listen to me?" Masashi looked directly into her eyes.
"Senpai..." Rumi looked at him with tearful eyes.
Masashi sighed, feeling a headache coming on.
"I've got ice. Here, apply it to the injury; it'll reduce the swelling," said Mafang Junko, walking over with an ice pack and noticing the unusual atmosphere.
"Alright, let's compromise. You get to play one more round. Win or lose, you'll withdraw after that. Agreed?" Masashi said, somewhat reluctantly, seeing Rumi's tear-streaked face.
"Really?" Rumi looked at him with wide eyes.
"I don't lie to kids," Masashi sighed and lifted her up in his arms.
"What are you doing? Apply the ice first to reduce the swelling," Mafang Junko said, worried.
"I'll take care of it. Stay here," he replied, carrying Rumi into the nearby lounge.
"Sir, he..." Ogata started, pointing at Masashi.
"Wait a moment. Maybe he has a method," Omura stopped Ogata, feeling that Masashi wasn't as simple as he seemed.
After about ten minutes, Masashi returned, carrying Rumi.
"Try it, but don't put too much weight on your right foot," he said, setting her down.
"Huh? It doesn't hurt at all. How amazing," Rumi said, walking a few steps with a surprised look.
"I only reduced the swelling temporarily. Remember to go easy on your right foot, and don't forget our agreement. Go on," Masashi reminded her.
"Yes, Senpai," Rumi replied cheerfully, heading back to the arena.
"How did you do that?" Mafang Junko asked, shocked by his quick treatment.
"It's not that I don't want to explain, but even if I did, you couldn't replicate it," Masashi replied coolly.
Somehow, she found herself believing him and didn't press further.
Despite the delay, Hondo showed no signs of impatience.
After they performed the kendo ritual, Hondo positioned his sword on his right shoulder in a poised stance. His aura was now intense. Realizing he couldn't hold back any longer, he prepared for an all-out match.
Rumi maintained a middle stance, silently watching him.
Seeing their earlier match, many finally understood that Hondo was also a skilled fighter, and everyone eagerly anticipated the round.
Hondo struck first, diverging from his usual defensive style by launching an aggressive attack.
Rumi calmly blocked, and the sound of bamboo swords clashing echoed around them.
"Brother, will Rumi be alright?" Kazumi asked anxiously.
"Hard to say. Hondo is clever; he knows Rumi's injured and can't endure a prolonged fight, so he'll keep pressuring her. The situation will favor him. But Rumi isn't without a chance. Sometimes a crisis can become an opportunity." At this, Masashi smirked.
The match became increasingly challenging for Rumi. Her foot injury was clearly slowing her movements. Her counterattack timing was gradually off, and she narrowly avoided being hit several times. The audience watched with growing tension.
As the fight wore on, Rumi was forced near the edge of the arena, and everyone could see she was close to losing.
If she lost this round, winning the third would be nearly impossible—not that many knew Rumi wouldn't get a third chance.
When Hondo started to show a victorious smile, Rumi, who had been on the defensive, suddenly launched an offensive.
Hondo wasn't overly surprised, thinking it was just a last-ditch effort, a desperate attempt with little chance of lasting. But as the moments passed, he realized something was off. Rumi's attacks showed no sign of stopping, and her movements were agile and quick, as if she weren't injured at all.