Koken looked at the two girls in the dojo and spoke.
"Stop for now."
Following his words, the sound of clashing swords ceased. Kaguya and Souji stopped their hands simultaneously.
They were slightly breathless and looked questioningly at Koken, but then their gazes shifted to the figure beside him.
'Kazami Yusei.'
Souji's pupils constricted. She was seeing again the young man who had interrupted her rampage that day.
She was a sharp sword, needing a scabbard to contain her violent edge.
But she was, after all, the young lady of a great family. Souji still had proper manners and upbringing, preventing her from losing her composure.
She first nodded towards Koken, then came before Yusei, formally kneeling and performing a deep bow.
"Thank you very much for helping me last time."
Yusei was a bit dumbfounded. Looking at the cute girl before him, he didn't quite react.
"Please, get up... I'm a bit forgetful. What help are you referring to?"
He only remembered sparring with this Saber-like young lady.
'When did I help her?'
A trace of disappointment flashed in Souji's eyes, 'So I had already forgotten...'
But it was quickly replaced by renewed spirit. A faint smile appeared on her face as she explained without any evasion, "Last time, I was controlled by the Rengoku Ken and entered a demonized state... I was on the verge of collapse. It was you who defeated me and saved me."
'Oh, that incident. But back then, I was just aiming for the Kendo Tournament's prize money. Saving you was just incidental.'
Yusei thought this to himself, but on the surface, he was very magnanimous.
"It's fine. No need to be so polite."
At this moment, Kaguya, who had approached, saw Souji and Yusei talking so happily and felt slightly displeased. She couldn't help but step forward.
Seeing his granddaughter had also arrived, Koken lightly coughed.
"Just now, I asked Yusei about your match. He said it was nothing much, like children playing with swords, and that he could take on ten of you at once."
"I found it surprising. I wonder if you two can join forces in a fight and defeat this arrogant brat."
Hayasaka and Fujiwara, who knew the full story, twitched their lips slightly, but they didn't dare interrupt Koken.
Yusei was stunned, 'When did I say any of that?'
Unfortunately, Koken gave him no chance to explain, taking out his own sword and tossing it to Yusei. A smile appeared on his aged face.
"Go on, Yusei. Let me see your true skill."
Looking at the sword in his hand, Yusei smiled wryly, 'Was this being forced into action?'
"Alright. Restore your stamina first before coming to fight. I need to get used to this sword first," He said to the two somewhat bewildered girls.
"See? This kid is just that arrogant. Don't you feel the flames of vengeance burning in your hearts?" Koken added.
Hearing her grandfather's words, Kaguya felt a bit guilty. For some reason, she really couldn't muster any hostility towards Yusei anymore.
Nor did she have the initial burning desire to defeat him. Upon hearing her grandfather's recount of Yusei's supposed words, Kaguya's only thought was, 'Yusei-kun's swordsmanship has improved again? So impressive.'
As for Souji, she also had no particular thoughts, 'The one who will become my sheath is stronger than my sword. Isn't that perfectly normal? Otherwise, how could he contain my sword's sharpness?'
But outwardly, they both responded in unison, "Yes! We will definitely defeat him with all our strength."
Koken was all smiles, very satisfied with the girls' answers, 'This should force that kid to show his true abilities, right?'
On the road leading to the Shinomiya's main house, a black luxury car was driving.
In the car, besides the driver, sat a burly old man wearing a kimono. He had a scar under his eye, which, combined with his stern expression, made him look quite intimidating.
The other passenger was a girl with long, flowing golden hair and exquisite features.
Her figure was extremely curvaceous, though much of it was hidden under the down jacket she wore.
They were none other than the Director of Totsuki Academy and his granddaughter: Nakiri Senzaemon and Nakiri Erina.
At this moment, a trace of indignation was still visible on the beautiful face of the golden-haired girl.
"Honestly, wanting to eat Grandfather's cooking and actually requires Grandfather to go to their door."
Senzaemon, who had his eyes closed, opened them upon hearing this. He spoke in a serious tone.
"Do not say such things in front of outsiders. This is the Shinomiya Family, not some ordinary minor clan. Furthermore, Koken and I have known each other for a very long time. A small matter like who visits whom is not worth dwelling on."
"I know. I just feel a bit uncomfortable for you, Grandfather."
"There is no need for discomfort. You will understand once we arrive at the Shinomiya Residence."