Chapter 96: 96: He’s Really Amazing (2)

"No way!" Before Taku could respond, a crew-cut guy from the club shouted. There's no way someone who had never held a sword could have such reflexes and deliver a picture-perfect tsuki like that. "I figured..." Taku gave a wry smile. He didn't doubt Takashi at all. The first time they shook hands, he knew the boy had never practiced kendo. His fingers were smooth, skin delicate as silk, soft to the touch. They were the hands of someone who'd never suffered the calluses from gripping a sword. "Captain, you mean... he's telling the truth?" Everyone turned to look at Taku, their faces overtaken by shock and disbelief. Taku was the strongest in the club. That's why he was the captain. In high school sports clubs—especially athletic ones—there wasn't much politics. You had to earn your position. If Taku were just a third-year with average skills, he never could've held the captaincy. Yet such a strong captain... was defeated by a complete novice who had never even held a sword. It felt as absurd as getting crushed in a solo game by a friend who'd never touched the game before—using your main character, no less. That kind of existential crisis? Only those who've lived through it could understand. "Yes." As unbelievable as it sounded—even Taku struggled to accept it—the truth was right in front of him. There really were geniuses like this in the world. Talent... is real. Just like how sometimes, no matter how hard you study, you still get beaten by the kids who fool around all day. "Junior, would you be interested in becoming the kendo club's captain?" Whether it was Takashi's inhuman reflexes or his perfectly controlled thrust, Taku realized they weren't even in the same league. With his skill, Takashi should be captain. Everyone glanced around awkwardly. The vibe felt strange and uncomfortable... but no one objected. In Japan, if you want to rise, you have two options: Outlast your seniors—or dominate with overwhelming strength. The love of strength—it's in this country's DNA. "Senpai, I'm not interested in being captain. Just put me on the roster." Takashi just wanted someone to test his newly acquired skills on. Other than the kendo club or a private dojo, there was nowhere else to do it. "I see..." Taku looked disappointed. He genuinely hoped Takashi would accept. He was in his third year. He'd graduate soon and needed to pass the torch. Toji Rina's eyes lit up as she suddenly thought of something. Smiling, she asked, "Takashi-kun, can I submit your name for the Gyokuryu-ki Championship?" Taku's entire body jolted. Of course! If he teamed up with Takashi... this year's Gyokuryu-ki would be a total slaughter! When Rina mentioned the Gyokuryu-ki, everyone's eyes lit up. How could they have forgotten? The Gyokuryu-ki is a prestigious high school kendo tournament held every summer in Fukuoka by West Japan News. No prelims. Over 500 teams in a massive brawl. One-on-five matchups are common. Other tournaments exist, but none are as well-known as Gyokuryu-ki. To all student kendo, it's like the Koshien of baseball. In Japanese society, strong kendo skills earn real respect. Young kendo stars often become police officers—public servants. Every year, the top players in the All-Japan Kendo Championship usually come from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police or other prefectural forces. Takashi said seriously, "That's exactly why I'm here." In truth, he didn't really want to compete. Most tournaments fell on rest days, and he didn't want to waste his breaks. But he'd made a promise to Momo— To humble the arrogant son of the police commissioner. That was why he challenged Taku to a match. If he had joined the club quietly as a regular member, he'd never get a spot on the Gyokuryu-ki team. It's fine to hide your strength sometimes—but don't hide everything. You have to show your value if you want others to recognize your worth. "To restore Aoba Kendo Club's glory is my duty." When Takashi agreed, Taku's smile stretched to his ears. It was settled. This year's Gyokuryu-ki was in the bag. Not just for him—every member of the club began to look forward to this year's tournament. They finally had hope. Taku subconsciously glanced at the honor wall. A blank, spotless wall—clean as Tottenham's trophy cabinet. But this year, he just might have something to put on it. ... After changing out of the stinky kendo uniform, Takashi scrubbed himself raw in the shower with soap before walking out. Outside the clubroom, Narii was idly playing on her phone to pass the time. When she saw Takashi come out, she put her phone away. The two of them left the school gate together and parted ways there. There was no date planned today, so Takashi intended to head home and get some proper rest. Before going home, Takashi subconsciously stopped by the supermarket for a bit of browsing. "Senpai!" Inside the convenience store, Takashi ran into Shirogane Kei. "What are you doing here?" Takashi asked in surprise. "I was waiting for you." Biting her lip nervously, Kei softly said, "Senpai, you said you'd help me find translation work." "You finished reading the book I gave you?" Takashi raised an eyebrow. "No, but I can keep reading and learning as I go," Kei replied in a quiet voice. Thinking about Kei's family situation, Takashi nodded. "Alright, come with me." "Thank you, Senpai." Kei bowed politely to Takashi. The two of them headed to a nearby shopping street, where they met up with a few store owners Takashi had already contacted, and discussed the translation work. "Since it's Takashi-san recommending her, we can give it a try." Although the shop owners were skeptical about relying on someone as young as Kei, once Takashi said he'd take responsibility, they were willing to give her a chance. After all, Takashi was steady and reliable. The convenience store he managed was always well-organized and had never run into any serious issues. On top of that, he spoke well and was even willing to help their children with schoolwork from time to time. Their impression of him was very positive. "Thank you," Takashi said politely, then handed over his class notes, saying they might be helpful for their kids' studies. The store owners beamed with joy. As they left the store, Kei looked at Takashi with a trace of admiration in her eyes. She hadn't expected Takashi to have so much clout in front of these adults. At first, when they heard she was the one doing the translation, they had all shaken their heads and refused. But once Takashi said he would vouch for her, they agreed immediately. 'He's really amazing!' ___ 20 Advanced Chapters available on p@ tr eon (.) com/HalflingFics Also, please point out my mistakes in the comment, thank you! Don't forget to leave a review too~ Check out the other translations too ___