Chapter 189 - 187 Aohana Vine Comes to Test the Blade_1

June 4th, Sunday. The morning air was cool. Yet, the atmosphere in the Qinghuateng Sword Department was as hot as midday. Unlike those schools that didn't take Sword Dao too seriously. As a regular participant in the national competition, the Qinghuateng Sword Department was known among high schools for its high-intensity training. The year before last, they had even claimed the national championship title. But last year, Sunaga Takashi-led Kamiya High School snatched their championship away. This year, the members of the Qinghuateng Sword Department were filled with the thought of reclaiming the championship trophy. Coach Takeru Jiro blew his whistle and shouted, "Starting team members, line up!" Five people quickly broke away from the group and ran to his front, stopping in a neatly formed line. All members were over 1.7 meters tall. "Coach, is there something you need?" "Didn't I tell you a few days ago that today we're going to Brilliant high school for a friendly match? Get changed and prepare to leave." "Eh, to deal with that no-name Kendo club, why not just send the reserves?" The vanguard spoke up, complaining that sending them to Brilliant high school was a waste of their talent. The Kendo club captain nodded and said, "Indeed. Out of them, only Aozawa has crossed swords with Sunaga. Letting Shidori and those reserves play should be enough." Takeru Jiro looked at their lazy expressions and spoke sternly, "Stop complaining. The advisor for the Brilliant High School Kendo Club is my junior. He's doing me a favor by arranging this friendly match. If I send the reserves, wouldn't that seem very disrespectful?" Upon saying this, Takeru Jiro glared at them and shouted, "Hurry up and get changed!" "Fine." The vanguard was reluctant. Honestly, he couldn't fathom what the coach was thinking. Constantly seeking out opponents Sunaga had defeated for Shidori to gauge the strength gap between him and Sunaga was a show of weakness in itself. With Yuutarou Shidori's skills, there was no need for such flashy stunts. "I think we should listen to the coach," Yuutarou Shidori spoke softly. Unlike his seniors, judging by his appearance, he didn't possess the masculine aura expected from someone who practiced Sword Dao; instead, he looked rather delicate. His features and physique seemed completely unrelated to the word "muscles." If he grew his hair long and wore a girl's dress, he could pass for a beautiful girl. No one would doubt it. "Shidori, don't sell yourself short," the vanguard said, slinging an arm around his neck with a grin. "This year, we'll definitely win the national championship." "Yes, we absolutely can't let Kamiya High School win consecutive titles," the captain nodded. He had once led Aohana Vine to a national championship victory and had hoped for a three-peat, but Sunaga Takashi had completely shattered that dream. With overwhelming strength, Sunaga had defeated him in the decisive taisho match. If he wanted revenge, this year was his last chance. He wanted to defeat Shinobu High School and claim the national championship. "Yes." Yuutarou Shidori nodded; he, too, wanted to face Sunaga Takashi. Not just for his seniors' dreams, but more so for himself. In competitions, there is never a place for second. You are either the champion or a loser. He did not want to be a loser. Aohana Vine's van drove into the parking lot of Brilliant high school. Takeru Jiro opened the door and said to those behind him, "Make sure to show your true strength. Don't let anyone look down on us." The vanguard joked with a giggle, "Wouldn't that be too cruel for them?" "Idiot! Giving it your all to crush your opponent is a matter of etiquette. Don't be so frivolous." "'Kumakura, you really are a nag. I know what to do," the vanguard retorted immediately. "Don't be impolite in front of strangers," Takeru Jiro reminded them solemnly and stepped out of the van. Someone outside approached. "Are you all from Aohana Vine High School?" a boy asked. "Coach Takeru, my name is Aozawa. Teacher Taizo asked me to lead you to the Kendo club." Takeru Jiro took a good look at the boy before him. He had well-defined features, wearing a white short-sleeved shirt paired with silver-grey trousers, exuding a very bright and refreshing vibe. "Thank you for your help, Aozawa." "No problem. Please follow me." Aozawa turned and led the way toward the club building. The vanguard nudged the captain's side and whispered, "Is that Aozawa? He doesn't look very strong." "Shut up!" the captain responded in a low voice. At this distance, whispering might go unnoticed, or it might be heard. In front of outsiders, the captain didn't want to be impolite or give the impression that the Qinghuateng Sword Department was full of disrespectful people. The vanguard shrugged, made a face, and followed Aozawa to the Kendo club. This Kendo club is actually located inside the club building?! the vanguard thought, wanting to complain. Intimidated by the captain's fierce glare, he swallowed his complaint, prompting a soft chuckle from Kumakura, the middle guard. This angered the vanguard, who glared back; if they weren't outside, he'd have definitely picked a fight with him. Aozawa opened the door and announced, "Teacher Taizo, I've brought them." "Welcome, Takeru-senpai." Teacher Taizo stepped forward. He was tall, at 1.85 meters, and quite thin. He had stubble on his chin that hadn't been completely shaved off. His shirttails were untidily tucked into his pants, a fact he seemed unaware of, giving him a slightly despondent air. In contrast, Takeru Jiro seemed much larger in stature, with a rugged and bold face. He laughed heartily, "Haha, Taizo, thanks for your help this time." He paused, then swept his gaze around and said, "Let me introduce our team. Lead-off Masato Mogi, second Hongo Noriyuki… and our anchor, Yuutarou Shidori." "Our side has our lead-off... deputy Kenji Kojima, and anchor Aozawa." Teacher Taizo also introduced the five members of his Kendo club. Unlike Aohana Vine, the Brilliant High School Kendo Club didn't practice on Saturdays and Sundays. Consequently, apart from those participating in the friendly match, there was absolutely no one else present. Not even spectators. "Taizo, we'll borrow your changing room for a bit to get changed, and then we can start the friendly match." Takeru Jiro wasn't the kind of person who liked to beat around the bush. After finishing the friendly match here, he still had to take Yuutarou Shidori and the others back to train for the national competition. "Of course, no problem." Teacher Taizo smiled and said, "The changing room is over there. The space can't compare to Aohana Vine's, so please bear with us." "No issue." Takeru Jiro glanced at his team and said seriously, "Go in and get your protective gear on. Don't keep them waiting too long." "Yes, sir!" They bowed and headed towards the changing room. Aozawa walked up to Kenji Kojima and the others, smiling. "Don't be nervous. Just perform as you normally do." Kenji Kojima smiled wryly. "Nervousness isn't the issue. It just feels odd to come over on a day off just to get beaten up." "Yeah," the other three echoed in agreement. "Don't say that. It's not like you guys would have dates with girls on your days off anyway. You'd just be lying around at home. Isn't it good to come out and stretch your muscles a bit?" Aozawa's piercing comment made Kenji Kojima grab him by the neck and say in a low voice, "Asshole, is that how you talk to your seniors?" "How did you guys know I went to the abandoned factory last night with Iroha for a haunted house adventure?" Aozawa feigned shock, causing the rest of the Kendo club members to clench their teeth in anger, wishing they could beat him up. "Damn show-off, go die!" "Just let their Shidori beat the crap out of you!" "Haha, don't be mad. Channel that energy towards the enemy," Aozawa replied with a laugh. Soon, the five fully equipped members from Aohana Vine appeared, bamboo swords in hand. Aozawa also donned his mask and protective gear, kneeling to the side. According to the order of positions in a Sword Dao match, the anchor is the last to appear. Before that are the lead-off, second, middle guard, and deputy. Normally, if a team loses the first three matches consecutively, the overall match is lost. However, this friendly match was different; all five rounds would be played regardless of the outcome. Aozawa watched the two lead-offs take the stage. From their movements and postures, it was clear who would win and who would lose. Our side is completely overwhelmed. Brilliant high school, eliminated in the first round of the regional qualifiers, versus a regular contender in the national competition. The gap in strength between them could not be erased by merely chanting a few slogans. Loss, loss, loss. A swift three-match losing streak soon brought them to the fourth match, and Kenji Kojima felt very nervous. He understood, really. This result is normal. Compared to Aohana Vine, the Brilliant High School Kendo Club is clearly behind in training intensity. Ordinary people might not win even with effort, but without effort, losing is guaranteed. There's nothing to be discouraged about. Even though that was what he thought, as soon as the friendly match actually started, a part of him didn't want to lose. I'm probably just unwilling to be a stepping stone, to be trampled on. At the very least, I can't lose too cleanly, Kenji Kojima thought. As the captain of the Kendo club, I have to regain some face for the three who went before me and let others know that Brilliant high school does have some strength. Being completely crushed is just too pathetic. "Ready." Takeru Jiro served as the referee. Kenji Kojima stood up and stepped forward. "Chestnut Mountain Student, please go easy on me." The opponent greeted him first, catching Kenji Kojima a bit off guard. This person was quite polite and didn't carry the arrogance typical of stronger schools. After a moment's thought, he replied, "Chestnut Mountain Student, please go easy on me." Under the mask, Chestnut Mountain's expression was icy. The greeting had just been a formality; deep down, he looked down on the Brilliant High School Kendo Club. They're simply too lax. The venue can be blamed on the school's lack of emphasis, but the members' laxity is the captain's dereliction of duty. Not training on a Sunday? That's unimaginable at Aohana Vine! Chestnut Mountain felt contempt, but it didn't affect his actions. He still assumed a mid-level stance, allowing their bamboo swords to lightly touch. And at that moment, the deputy's match began. "Men!" With a fierce shout, Chestnut Mountain's bamboo sword struck heavily onto Kenji Kojima's mask. "One point." Takeru Jiro wasn't surprised by the result. Or rather, he considered the first four players to be just going through the motions, mere warm-up acts. The real highlight is Aozawa and Yuutarou Shidori. Kenji Kojima gripped his bamboo sword, his heart full of helplessness. Damn it, the opponent is too strong! He didn't even give me time to react!