The final venue was boiling.

　People from all walks of life in the city of Arkham were gathering, waiting for the game to begin.

　Seeing the enthusiasm, Lunamaria let out a line of admiration.

It's amazing.

Yeah. People have come to see me and Mr. Hifune, haven't they?

Hey, Will, look at the odds. The odds are stacked against you.

"I don't admire gambling.

Well, that's what I thought. Oh, it's closer than you think.

　If you look at the odds, the odds were very close.

"I thought it would be more remote,

"You and Hifune had a good winning ways. A layman can't tell the difference in strength.

　It's a very good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

"...... Dear Ronin, let me be frank with you, who is stronger, Master Will or Ms. Hyphen?

That's a hippo. It's the wrong year.

Will Master Will lose then?

"The dreaded thing about swords is that just because you're better than them doesn't mean you're going to win. I think Will will win.

　A relieved Lunamaría, but that would have been a comfort. I myself doubted if I could beat Hyphen.

　Their overall combat power is almost equal, but when it comes to swordsmanship, Hifune is probably a cut above. Furthermore, Hifune's aggressive style is incompatible with it. There is no time for magic chanting. So it's a sword fight and we're at a disadvantage.

But you won't know the game until you get your shoes on.

　I said this to reassure Lunamaria and was about to walk up to the stage, but on the way I was accosted by my father. He stopped me and silently handed me the sword at his waist.

This is ......

"Higo Dodanuki

I know that, but it's a very important sword.

That's why I lent it to my son. You want to use the Heavenly Breath Life Sword to win the match, don't you?

"Yes.

"Then use a sword that is easy to machete.

"Okay. Thank you.

　Taking it in stride, Ronin looks away with a grin. Staring at our exchange with a look of hatred is Hifune on the other side of the war stage. She shoots us an icy stare. Her whole body radiates murderous intent.

　She can't help but want to kill me. Soon she'll come onstage and provoke me.

The gods raised me. Are you finished saying goodbye to your father?

"We're not the last, but we're done.

Then come on up on the stage, or do you have not the slightest bit of courage? Or don't you have a little bit of courage?

"No way.

　And I'm going to step onto the warrior stage.

　When you step onto the warrior stage, you feel an intimidating feeling as if you were being pricked by a needle. I was almost swallowed by the spirit, but I defeated Hifune's aura and put my hand on the sword at my waist.

(...... comes first in the opening.)

　Considering Hifune's murderous spirit and personality, there's no reason why he won't decide on the first attack. It is easy to predict that she will unleash her strongest technique from the start.

　In fact, she has the secret technique of Kamiizumi's style, which unites battoujutsu and raiding.

"Instantly destructive

　This technique was powerful enough to literally kill an opponent in an instant.

　This was a powerful move that could literally end an opponent's life in an instant. Even that Ronin's tongue was riveting in its power, but I took it with the utmost care.

　Without hesitation, I catch the blade that slashed at my carotid artery with my Higo Dodanuki.
　Kakin.
　A metallic sound is heard, which signals the start of a deadly battle.

　When the first blow didn't get through, Hifune unleashes a second and third blow with a flowing motion. When I catch them, I also counterattack. I unleash multiple attacks equal to Hifune's sword speed. She manages to dispose of them.

　They seem to be of equal offensive and defensive strength.
　This is going to take a long time. I thought so, and my prediction was correct.

　In fact, over the next hour we will continue to exchange sword fights. At the center of the war stage, or at the edge of the war stage, the location changes as the moment demands, and we fight for our opponent's life. Their tense expressions and well-trained swordsmanship fascinated the audience.

Wow!　What the hell, these guys!

"Last year's finals look like a game.

"It's not human stamina to go through an hour of sword fights like this.

　To those voices Hifune replies sarcastically.



The way you work out is different than you ordinary people.

　I let out a bitter smile. If you think of Ronin's training, you can imagine the horrific training he received. I've heard that Ronin was somehow lenient with me, so I'm sure that Ms. Hyphené must have undergone a tremendous amount of training.

　I laughed at the thought of it, but she didn't seem to like it. In the middle of a spatting match, kicks are flying in.

That's disgusting.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to make fun of you. I just thought we'd both have a hell of a youth.

No doubt. But you must have lived a life of sunshine.

"Yes,

"Meanwhile, I live in the shadows

Was it hard?

"No way. It made me stronger. It's made me feel alive.

"Is it so much fun to get revenge on Dad Ronin?

"It's no fun. But I don't know what else to do with my life.

　Then comes a powerful slash. I take it.

You didn't just block that blow.

"Surprising?

No more killing spells

"I see. But is it really?

What does that mean?

No, her sword was filled with mercy. It was full of murderous intent, but it was also kind. She went for the vital point in the shortest possible time so that I would not suffer. So it was very easy to read.

"............

"You're a very kind person,

"I am not a gentleman!

　As I shouted that, another powerful blow came.

　When I defeated the blow, I said, "That's the same behavior as before.

That's the same behavior. Maybe it's just that Miss Hifune is a naturally kind girl. She's a woman who can't kill people.

"Maybe. But I'm going to kill you.

"I know it's not the right thing for the son of an avenger to say. But I dare say it. Vengeance is pointless. What's the point of taking revenge?

"I can caress my master's soul.

Your father wouldn't want you to kill someone.

What do you know about my father?

All I know is that Mr. Toushirou lost his way in his search for the ultimate path of the sword.

"............

"You know that I won't argue with you.

...... Yeah, I know. I know that my father tried to kill his older brother and take the Book of Dragons from Ronin.

Then you know it was a tragic accident. Ronin just turned it around because he had to.

Maybe. But still, Toushiro-sama is my only parent. He's the only master on earth. ......

　Hifune shuddered in wailing in sorrow as his body shook to his soul.

I know the truth, but this feeling will not stop!　There's nothing we can do about it now!

　She swung her sword in a big way. The way she swung it was so seamless. Now I was ready to strike a crushing blow, but I dared to let it go. That will anoint her with anger.

...... will not allow it. I will not allow you to sympathize with me and come into my heart.

I'd rather you fight for that reason than cross swords with me to avenge my father.

...... You still have to kill him. Otherwise, I can't move on.

I think. So let's get this over with.

　When I suggest that, I sit down with my sword.
　Seeing this, Hifune does the same.

"So you've mastered the Heavenly Breath Living Man Sword?

Yes. However, I think I'm the real depth of the story.

Let me pull it out. There is no way that you, who was raised by the gods, could master the ultimate inner secrets.



I'm not so sure about that.

　Then they focus on each other.
　A swordsmanlike air arises between them. A razor-sharp air fills the air.
　Sensing an unusual presence, Lunamaría shouts.

"Master Will, I believe in your victory.

　Father Ronin watches them with a warrior's vibe.

The audience must have sensed that the game was about to be decided right now. They are watching us with bated breath.

　The moment all eyes are on us both, we move at the same time. At the same moment and at the same time we put all our strength into the hilt of our swords. Almost at the same time, the two swordsmen unleash their battoujutsu.