Chapter 116 Mount Takao Stroll

Chapter 116: Chapter 116 Mount Takao StrollAt today’s registration site, Uesugi Sakura noticed someone who looked quite special. The aura, hmm... very unique. If one had to describe it, it would be like a black cat confidently walking on a thin wall. The appearance was also quite eye-catching. The key was the person was wearing a Kyudo uniform. There’s a high probability he’s the opponent. Taking advantage of the moment right after Seisuke Yooya finished submitting the information, Uesugi Sakura asked, "Who is he?" "Fuya Nanori." Seisuke Yooya immediately recognized the man, "From Mizuki High School, also considered one of our main rivals in this competition." "How strong is he?" Uesugi Sakura saw him chatting with several people, probably from the same team. "Very strong; Mizuki High School has never been weak. For two years in a row, they’ve taken the team competition’s championship in the district. I hear they’re aiming for the nationals this year." Seeing Uesugi Sakura remain unmoved, Seisuke Yooya continued speaking. "In the last two years, he also wrapped up the first place in the individual competition with an all-hit record." "In any case, we can’t take them lightly," Uesugi Sakura retracted his gaze from those people and turned around to find a few reporters taking their photos. "For you and Sugita, that’s true." Seisuke Yooya’s expression was somewhat bitter, "The remaining three of us have to work harder; we can’t drag you down." Uesugi Sakura and Sugita Shuhei had always performed steadily. "We have no problem with the preliminaries. After that, should we apply to the school for a training camp?" "Is this something Uesugi would suggest?" Seisuke Yooya teased, quite in favor of the idea, "Alright, I’ll apply to the principal tomorrow. The specific time and place for the camp are yet to be decided." After casually exploring the competition venue, it was still not noon, and Uesugi Sakura was planning to go home, but alas, both mothers insisted on a walk at Mount Takao. "Do we really need to go? It’s not even November yet." It wasn’t that he disliked Mount Takao, but he had been there so often he was tired of it. "Going to Mount Takao isn’t necessarily about seeing the maple leaves. Besides, there would be too many people, making it crowded and even less fun," Uesugi Nobuko pointed to her and Hanamaru Meiko’s hiking boots. "We’re all ready; we can make a wish for you at Yakuoin as we hike up." Admitting he couldn’t persuade the elders, Uesugi Sakura had to pin his hopes on Hanamaru Hanabi: "Hanabi, are you coming?" She was wearing black little leather shoes, unsuitable for hiking. "Hanabi..." The girl was about to speak when her mother interrupted, "It’s okay if you walk slowly." Hanamaru Hanabi nodded immediately, "Let’s go together, Sakura-kun." —————— The train swiftly traveled along the tracks under the close roofs. The old, tall buildings gradually faded from the purple-hued eyes, leaving no trace behind. Listening to the swish of the tracks, Hanamaru Hanabi’s hands rested on her skirt as she slowly closed her eyes. But soon she bumped against the stiff glass with a thud, feeling some pain, and gently rubbed her head. "Are you still tired from this morning?" sitting next to her, Uesugi Sakura asked. "Uh-huh..." Hanamaru Hanabi replied softly, holding her head, sleepy-eyed. Uesugi Sakura glanced at the two mothers opposite, engrossed in phone chats, and continued, "Want to lean on me for a nap?" "Okay..." She must be really sleepy, as she shyly and quickly agreed, her small head leaning gently on his shoulder. Her fair neck extended slightly, trying to find a comfortable position to settle. The barely audible breath soon began to surround his ears. Uesugi Sakura smiled as he saw the girl peacefully sleeping on his shoulder. The mothers sitting opposite had already covered their mouths, trying to curb their uncontrollable laughter. Mount Takao is located in the suburb of Tokyo’s Hachioji City, with an altitude of 599 meters and about 50 kilometers from Shinjuku, taking an hour via the Keio Line. Mount Takao is most famous for its autumn colored leaves. In the gentle autumn breeze, gazing northward at Mount Fuji is peaceful and refreshing. Of course, being one of Tokyo’s most famous suburban sites, the crowds swell at that time. Getting off at Takao Station, you can immediately see a large tourist map and tall cedars in the distance. All the scenic spots and facilities around Mount Takao are neatly listed above. Seeing those centuries-old cedar trees on the mountain, Uesugi Sakura finally understood why his mother insisted on coming here to make wishes and hike. "Which route to take?" Uesugi Sakura looked up at the map. "Route one," Uesugi Nobuko said, "then descend along the creek on route six, and we can soak in the hot springs afterward." Mrs. Hanamaru added a bit to the two standing together, "You know there’s mixed bathing." Hanamaru Hanabi shook her head vigorously. —————— The concrete-poured pebble path echoed with birds and insects; beside it were typical dense mountain forests, only showing green and dried-out gray. Often seen are the elderly with hiking sticks descending from above, moving briskly. Pass by a strange stone pillar inscribed with "Six Pure Roots," and it’s nearly an hour-long hike uphill. "Are we really hiking up?" Uesugi Sakura stepped over strange wooden steps. "Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a walk, would it?" Mrs. Uesugi answered without turning back. "Well, it’s not bad; hiking saves us 480 yen, meal money for two, 1440 yen for three, saving some for two days." "Is Sakura-kun short on money again?" Hanamaru Hanabi heard his mumbling and softly asked. "Ahem, not for long, don’t worry." There hasn’t been much spending recently; saving up pocket money isn’t too bad. "Hanabi’s money is for you to use freely. Sakura-kun never uses it." "We’re not married yet; I shouldn’t use your money arbitrarily." Hearing the word "marriage," Hanamaru Hanabi was stunned, didn’t pay attention to her steps, and almost tripped over the stone steps. Uesugi Sakura quickly wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Thank you, Sakura-kun..." "It’s nothing." Hearing the commotion, the two mothers walking ahead turned back. "Little Hanabi, be careful walking, don’t just chat with little Sakura," seeing Uesugi Sakura supporting Hanamaru Hanabi, Mrs. Hanamaru had already guessed most of it. After speaking, the two mothers smiled casually and continued forward. "Don’t want to get married? Every time Hanabi hears about marriage, it’s this reaction." With his support, Hanamaru Hanabi stood up, stuttering: "...it’s not." "So you want to get married?" "Sakura-kun..." Hanamaru Hanabi was clearly embarrassed to answer. "How about we get married after your coming-of-age ceremony?" "Sakura-kun... do you really want to get married?" "I kind of want to." The two continued to tread the stone steps, catching up to the mothers. "If you marry Hanabi, Sakura would be with Hanabi forever," Hanamaru Hanabi gazed forward, not looking at him. "Is that bad?" "Hanabi is scared... Sakura-kun might hate Hanabi..."