--It was a beautiful sunny day.

　The soil was soft but firm to the touch, and each grain was large enough not to be blown away by the wind.

　If you look around, you will see that you are surrounded by a wall.

　The wall is built high enough that even if your weapon is hit, it will not fly into the audience. It is a strange thing that separates the audience from the fight, but strangely allows only the heat of the sword to pass through.

　At the end of it, the seats will be built higher and higher.

　A new tourist attraction in King's Landing, yet to be completed, yet to be made public.

　Huta stepped into the field through the service entrance and stood in the center of it as if it were a matter of course.

　And then he realized. This is not the Colosseum of that day. It's the first time I've been here, now.

　The piercing sky is the same as that day.
　And yet this feeling of freshness is incomparable to that day.

　I've learned that it's such a pleasant feeling when the weather and your heart go together.

You're looking good, aren't you?
"Is it?　It's nice to hear you say that, Lilac.
"Really?

　The silver-white girl who walked up to me was wearing a dress that was out of place in the sanctuary of a fighter.
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I've seen it before.

I found this while I was washing my hands about you and the empire. The only thing that matters to me is my project.
"...... Hmm. I don't know about that. I think you should be more honest.

　--What are you talking about? How much better would it have been if you'd just said so.

　I know. I know that he could see through me just as I could see through him.
　That's why I could talk to him without hiding my true nature. I'll admit that.

　But to be honest...

　If there was someone who could do that, they'd already be around.

　After all, Barrier Reef only thinks he can see through Lilac.

　Sure, there are people you can complain to.
　I talk to them every day, and I enjoy it.
　So what?

　So why not just tell that person that you're looking into Ruri because you care about her?

"...... Huh.
"Lilac, are you alright?　I have a parasol, you can use that.
I'm the one wielding the sword here. I'm sorry you think I'm that soft.
...... Oh, really? I'm sorry.
No.

　I put my finger on my forehead and wondered what I was doing.

　Deep down, he knew what he was doing.
　He knew deep down that what Barrier Reef was trying to say wasn't something he could just show off with a smug look on his face.

　How nice it would be if he could drop his shame and appearance and say, "Leave me alone" with a sign like that nagging maid.

　Not good, huh?

　Whether that maid is aware of it or not, it's a method only someone who is allowed to be weak can use.

　I am a princess. He's following me because I'm Princess Lilac.
　I'm not going to do anything to disillusion him and I don't want to.

　It's just...

It's time for you to change your clothes.
"Hey, .......
"I know you're sleepy, but you can't go to the party.

　The two of them sit side by side on the couch, holding their infant child.
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.

　But... But the feelings I had at that scene...
　It wasn't something Princess Lilac was allowed to have.

　Are you asking me to be honest with you?

　You've long since given up on family affection.
　To someone who just recently ruined her sister's life.

"Dear Lilac.
What's ......?
I don't think you're soft. But ...... you haven't been looking too well since yesterday. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.
Everything I'm doing is going smoothly, isn't it?
So you're tired from working so hard?
No, sir.
Did I do something wrong, by any chance?

　No matter what I say, it's just dismissed out of hand.
　But I'm not the kind of person who can just say, "I see.

　It was obvious that Lilac was not in good spirits.
　For Futa, there was no need to weigh between being disliked by Lilac and finding out the reason for Lilac's bad mood.

"Yes?　Why do you think so?


"Why do you say that, ......?

　Thinking for a moment, Futa said.

Lilac seemed normal when she was talking to Ocean. The last time we talked in my room, and now, she seems down, so I'm wondering if it's my fault.
"......

　There was another reason why Huta was a little surprised when she was talking to Prince Barrier Reef, besides the fact that she was showing her true colors to him.
　It's not that he seemed to be in a bad mood.

　So the reason why she was still grumpy and depressed was herself.
　This is a very simple conclusion, and for that reason it is seamless.

　No wonder Lilac is frustrated with the unemployed who are so perceptive.

　In the end, Lilac's choice was to withdraw from the situation.

　No matter what she said, it would not be good for either of them.

Apart from that. I was just thinking about Prince Barrier Reef.

　That's why I'm changing the subject to end it here.
　I thought that if it wasn't about us, it wouldn't cause any unnecessary emotional turmoil.

　And yet...

"......, is that so?

　Hooter, looking strangely dejected, sighs.
　I guessed that it was an emotional response to being sidetracked, but it was different.
　What is that inexpressible color in his eyes?
　Does he have something in mind for Prince Barrier Reef? Lilac raises her eyebrows at the indescribable hue that seems to be a mixture of desolation and blessing.

"Futa?　You're the one who's losing confidence in your ability to defeat Prince Barrier Reef?
"What?　I'm not sure.　I'm not sure.
Yes, yes. What else?
No, I'm just wondering if the ...... engagement is going to work, since we seem to know each other so well.
What?

　His thoughts froze for a moment, but then quickly moved on.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"Well... --You...

　He was about to say, "You were thinking about that before the game?
　I was going to say, "You," but for some reason the words didn't come out.
　If I said it, the subject would go away. My purpose would be served.
　And yet, I wondered. This strange feeling of anticipation.

　It's scary. But the desire to know, which is a different kind of curiosity, precedes me as a word on its own.

"You said you would give me your blessing if I were to be happy, didn't you?
"Yes. Yes, I will. If you are happy, Lilac, that's what I want most.

　No. I don't care what you say.

"Well?
"...... Mr. Lilac knows everything, doesn't she?

　Don't be a prude.

"And?

　Lilac-sama, you're giving me a big ...... stare, Huta thought.
　But it's much better than hiding your emotions like you did earlier.
　I don't have the talent to make people happy with my words.
　As usual, I couldn't even say something clever.

　So, as usual, I just said what I really felt.

It's just that... It's just that I'm going to miss seeing you happy with someone else.

　I scratched my cheek and said honestly.

No, I'm not sure I'm saying the right thing.
"And?
"And?

　I don't know what more I can say.
　I'm not sure what else to say.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

It's not my place to tell you this, but... I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
"......, huh?

　I see." Lilac muttered, her expression already returning to normal.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

Not bad, huh?
"Well, that was very rude of me!
I don't care. I can tell if you have respect or not by what you say or do. Why don't you stop using honorifics?
Suddenly?　I can't do that!
Hmm. Well, that was a joke. It was a joke. ......


Did you just make a joke about ......?
"...... No. You can't say anything on the spur of the moment. That's all I'm saying.
"Oh, .......

　It took some effort to change "princess" to "lilac-sama".
　In this way, he said, "Yes, I understand. There was no way he would say, "Yes, I understand.
　Lilac stroked her lips and said, "I know, but I understand.

　A girl in the distance, slumped in a garden chair, snickered at the exchange between the two.
　She wondered what kind of trivial conversation they were having right before the sword fight.

I wonder if a pyroclastic flow will come pouring into the center of the Colosseum right now.

　She munched on a cupcake with a mocking expression.
　But then a maid appeared behind her.

"Are you so paranoid that you want to drink Pomodoro soup?
No, I'm not!
Maid, I'm always ready to eat.
No, I'm not!

　From the right, from the left, from above, from below. The girl who was really wondering what to do with this maid who kept peeking at people's faces from right to left, up and down, was Pasta Pomodoro.

"Do you like pomodoro, Beato?
"What if it's ......?

　Then, maid number two appears.
　Pasta looked at her with annoyance.
　Her father, Wind, was still ill. It was only natural, but she could tell that the maid was coming with her to take care of her.
　There was no reason for Pasta to be here, but...

I'll remember that.
Just so you know, if you're trying to extort me, a pomodoro won't do the trick.
That's ridiculous.
...... You're really under the influence of this witch all of a sudden, aren't you?

　In fact, it was Pasta's will, not Corona's, that brought Ruri here.
　The same goes for her blood relation to Barrier Reef.
　She and Corona were brought together because it was outrageous for her not to be there to decide what would happen to her.

　That's all there is to it, but why is it that it's turned out to be so irritating? It's mostly because of this nagging maid.

"Hey. If you call yourself a maid, why don't you at least serve?

　The bleachers aren't finished yet.
　They're close to the field wall.
　Pasta was slumped in his garden chair, elegantly enjoying the spectacle.

　It would have been more comfortable if the maid hadn't been so annoying.

"Well, here's some juice from the grass I picked up around here.

　The teacup, placed gently on the side table, was clear but clearly colored with tea. If this was a first flush tea, it would be a clear, pale orange. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

...... The aroma is that of a good Darjeeling tea. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
What is it?
I'm sure you're not the only one.

　You're kidding, right?　You're kidding, right?" I sipped fearfully.

"......

　I stared at the maid.

"Kusa no shirou, kusa no shirou.
"Kusa no shiru, kusa no shiru.

　The two maids are dancing together. Around the pasta.

"How dare you call my merchant's goods grass soup!

　The maids squeal and run away from the pasta.
　Everything is over, and there is a peaceful world.

"Ew, .......

　It seems to be really annoying for Pasta, who clicks her tongue.


　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm only interested in fighting swords. I'm only interested in sword fighting.
"Oh, yes.

　Yes.
　Futa looked at the sword he was holding.
　It was a few blunt blows, but it was the same shape weapon.
　So there's a way to do it.

"Two swords. ...... That's one of the two exceptional people you yourself mentioned when describing Prim, isn't it?
Yes. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

　It's obvious from their battle records.

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

　The record for Ninotou is

　Against Ichinotachi: 3-5
　6-2 against San no Tachi
　4. 8-0 against 4.


　vs. Corporal Tachi 8-0
　vs. Rikunotachi 7-1
　vs. Urushi-no-Taito 7-1
　vs. Sakuranotachi 8-0

　In total, 47 wins and 9 losses.

　Of course, I've lost to Izuna and Prim in earlier seasons, but this is the final season's result.

　In the game I lost to Prim, I accidentally touched her in a strange place, and she attacked me with her mouth during the game, and I lost because I was mentally upset.

　But he lost because he was mentally upset. It was an amazing achievement that he had the same number of wins and losses as Ichinotachi, whom he had already beaten in a direct confrontation.

What kind of swordsman is he?
Well, ...... first of all, objectively speaking, he is a simple swordsman who wields only one sword. He is not a self-styled swordsman, but rather follows an eastern style called Sokai Hato-ryu, and wields his weapon at Colosseo 1.
Colosseum 1: ......?
Faster than me.
You're lying about ......?
It's the truth.

　That flirtatious guy?
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm not sure what to say. He can cut down an opponent's weapon with a mere swing of his famous sword, which has a tremendous sharpness. That is his strength.
I'm sure you're aware of that.

　Yes, there is one thing that is not clear.
　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the subject.

I'll tell you the subjective story. It's really hard to play against Ocean.
"Difficult to ......?
The reason he's called a genius is because he's trained in that school of swordsmanship, and then he puts his own spin on it.
Is that, by any chance, what makes him act like a warrior?
Yes. It's a special attack on the strong. I use the speed of my movements to my advantage. It would be rude of him to say that he is playing around, but ...... there are times when he deliberately does not choose the best solution for his attack, but he is strong enough to push through with his bluff.

　I'm not sure how difficult this is. It may be hard to imagine how difficult this is.

　You can't imagine how difficult this is. You do this on a regular basis.
　As a result, your opponent's readings will collapse. You can fool yourself with your speed.

　That's the Ocean Big Wave.
　The fighting sword of a man who has ridden every wave and conquered every ocean.

　The sword of the Seven Seas Conqueror and the man called Ocean Big Wave.
　This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing.

He is said to have conquered the six Colosseums with his sword, which is said to have conquered and conquered the seven seas.

　That was when he told Lilac.

　A voice interrupted him.

"No. I've conquered the seven seas.
"...... Ocean.

　A figure at the service entrance.
　He looks around emotionally, then takes a step.
　And then one step, and then another.
　When he came face to face with Futa in the center of the room, Lilac retreated involuntarily.

　It wasn't that she was pressured.
　She wasn't intimidated.

　But...
　I shouldn't be in the middle of this field.
　That's what I thought for a moment.

　I'd gone to the trouble of wearing a dress instead of fighting clothes so as not to be exposed to the heat of the sword.

"You've conquered the Seven Seas?
"Only once. I challenged a lezzard and became champion. But he took it right back!　...... Still, no doubt about it. I've conquered that place.

　So.
　Because I conquered the seven seas with the Seven Seas Conquest.
　My voyage is over. I thought it was the end of my journey.

I see.
Yeah.

　Those were the only words exchanged.

　Lilac stood between them and said.

"The rules are one fight. You win when your opponent gives up or stops short. Good.

　Lilac steps away from the nodding pair.

"Thank you, Lilac.
"No need to thank me. You know what that means, right?
"...... Well, yeah.

　The Barrier Reef smiles as he understands Lilac's intentions. And.



「ふぅううう……」

　バリアリーフは、大きく息を吐く.

　目を閉じれば、歓声が聞こえる.
　ここはコロッセオ. きっと、未来では大勢の観客が、目の前の男の戦いを見ることになるだろう.

　不思議なものだ.
　彼の目は、それを是としている.
　あの頃ではあり得なかった. 彼の意志.

　まあ、いい.

　未来に想いを馳せる意味はない.
　ただこのひと時を待っていた.

　ただ、このひと時を待っていた. 待ち望んでいた.

　腰に差した刀を、手に取る.

　どくん、と"契約"がこの身を縛る音がした.

　構いはしない. 後悔はない.

　鞘奔り、抜き身の相棒を久々に握る.

　――よう. 悪かったな、ご無沙汰で.

　手入れこそ、していたものの.
　武器として認識するのは、本当に久々だ.

　この刀と共に、七つの海を征してきた.
　冒険譚はそこでお仕舞い. 今の自分は、もう危険を冒す自由は無い.

　そう、想っていたけれど. ああ、とかく、性というのはどうしようもない.



「元【天下八閃】弐之太刀――七海征覇の英雄賛歌(シンドバッド). オーシャン・ビッグウェーブ」
「――元、コロッセオチャンピオン・フウタ」

　名乗り上げは、一瞬.



　さあ. 行こうか七海征覇.



　八つ目の海を征する時だ.





　フウタの瞳が金に染まる.
　同時、刀を抜いた. オーシャンのそれとは違う、数打ちの鈍ら.
　けれど、武器の差を卑怯とは思わない.
　既に得物を用意する段階で勝負は始まっている.
　決まった得物を持たないフウタが問題なだけ.

「行くぜ」

　駆け出す速度は最高速.
　一瞬でフウタに肉薄したオーシャンは、すぐさまその刃を横薙ぎに振るった.
　回避するフウタは後方へのスウェー.
　鼻先をかすめた刃をはっきりと目にして、フウタも刀を振るう.

　七海征覇とぶつかり合う――否、滑るようにフウタの刀はいなされた.
　すぐさま反転、独楽のように回転してフウタの二度目の横薙ぎがオーシャンを襲う――が.

　今度はオーシャンが同じようにスウェーで躱した. ――否、むしろこちらがオリジナルだ. フウタの模倣に動じることなく、オーシャンはそのまま両手で握った刀でもって、逆袈裟に――

「うぇーい！」

　――受けようとしたフウタの動きが止まった.
　このまま逆袈裟に斬られたら、それで勝負が付く.
　だが明らかに、"オーシャンの体勢が崩れていた".

「――これは」

　――ブラフ.
　オーシャン・ビッグウェーブの崩し.
　まともに受けようとしたら、その瞬間に返り討ち.
　だが受けないわけにもいかない.

「マジかよ」

　ならばとばかりに、高速で放たれる彼の刀に向けてフウタも刀を振り下ろす.

　ぶつかり合う刀の感触は、いやに弱い.
　それはそうだ. オーシャンはまるで力を入れていない.

　叩き落とすようなフウタの刀に合わせ、刃毀れしないよう引いたオーシャンの七海征覇.

　生まれる間隙はフウタの振り下ろし直後.
　流れるようなフウタの剣術でも、オーシャンの速度ならば虚を突くことが出来る.
　それが分かっているからこそフウタは警戒せざるを得ない.
　彼の鍛錬があれば、フウタを今突き崩すことが"出来る".

　"出来る". それは、他の闘剣士ならば実行するということだ.
　自らの最高を、最高のままに叩きつけてくる. それがフウタという模倣の達人との互角の戦いを演出する.

　しかし.

「うぇーい」

　その隙を敢えて突かない. 無駄に一瞬手元で刀を回転させる"遊び".
　このままでは拙いと刀を引き戻した直後に生まれる、隙の次の隙こそが、オーシャンの狙い.

「――そこだ」
「っ！」

　Because he had returned his sword, he would be most vulnerable if the next move hit the same spot.

《Soukai Wavoryu: Damper

　A double strike that you cannot accept.
　If you want to take both, the next step is checkmate.
　But I can't not take it. If even one blow enters, the Seven Seas Conqueror will cut down the opponent.

　So Futa avoided the first blow.
　He was still in a bad position, but he could still recover.

You're still the same, Ocean.
It's funny--you're the only one who gets it in this condition.
That means you're the one who can avoid the copycat.
Pull it out, top.

　It's because Futa is trying to copy Ocean's "full power" that he suddenly breaks it down by adding a 70% margin.
　This genius is the only one who can use both full power and 70% in the same game and incorporate it into his strategy.
　This is the essence of what Futa calls "difficulty".

"Ha, ha!

　But Ocean couldn't help but laugh as well.

"Why?　How can you move like that?

　I'm wielding the Seven Seas Conqueror, and I'm cornering him with ideal moves.
　But I feel like I'm ducking a perfect winning move with a foul.

　It's as if I've built a solid clogging procedure in board games, but at the last minute I'm told that it's a barrier, that the ends are connected, or that I can actually make this move.

　It's funny because there are no rules in sword fighting.

　You hold the sword in your opposite hand, and when you think you have caught the blade that strikes your side, you switch to your left hand and go on the offensive.

　Theoretically, it is possible, and in some cases it may be effective.
　However, such tactics will only work in a very limited number of cases.

　It can only be used when a number of conditions are met.
　A technique that is usually useless.

　It is the nonsense of amateurs to say that one must be able to use all of them.

　A truly strong person refines the most versatile techniques.

　But that is why.
　It is only by instantaneous mimicry, without habit, that one can perform the best techniques on the spot in a limited number of cases.

　This is the reason why the imitation of a man named Futa can bring out 120% of his opponent.

　That's why he can surpass 100%.

　But...

　If you put 120% of your strength against 100% of your opponent's strength, you can certainly win by force.
　But what if you put 120% of your power into 70% of your opponent?

Whoo!

　The fastest blow that Futa made was aimed at the belly of Conqueror of the Seven Seas.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.
　So the right way to go is to lay the sword down and let it cut through the air, or to catch it at the base and push it away. This is the mark of a strong man.

　But in Ocean Big Wave, there is a third option.

　He is the only man who can cut corners in a battle he cannot afford to lose.

　Conqueror of the Seven Seas and Futa's sword clash.

What's the point of riding the wave if you can't do it freely?

　The weak Shichikai Seiha is overpowered by Futa's sword and tilts - no, like a wave receding, he slowly pulls himself back like a warrior killing the impact.

　And as the waves recede, the next wave rushes in, as is the way of the great ocean.

Blue Sea Wave Current: Shore Break

I can't believe it!

　Futa swung his sword out. It's a beautiful, strong blow, but there's a small gap afterwards.

　What happens when you give 120% to 70%?

　The answer is "misreading".

　This is what you would do if you were at your best. Not only for swordsmen, but also in board games, ball games, and many other battles between people, the first step in the battle is to determine the opponent's full strength.

　The first step in the battle is to determine the opponent's full potential.

　However, that trust does not hold up against the fickle waves of the Ocean Big Wave.

　The sword he swings down is the fastest, faster than even Futa...



"Futa's being pushed?
No way. He is?

　In the event you're not sure what's going on and you're just having fun shouting at the maids, Lilac's eyes narrowed and she muttered to herself.

　With a difficult expression, Lilac thinks.
　At least, that's what it looks like.

　But...

I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun. ...... But I didn't think he could fight that well against Futa. I guess I need to train a little harder.
I'm not sure.

　I'm not sure," she said, resting her head on her cheek and nibbling on a cupcake as she looked at the sparks flying from the sword.

　It's a fight that has no merit or demerit, no matter who wins.
　Like Lilac, he was not a warrior.

　It's not a bad spectacle if you watch it while mulling it over.
　It's your job to figure out how to make this fight colorful and take money from the audience. It is your job to think about it.

　It's because I'm looking at it from such a cold perspective that I've noticed some things.

...... sounds like fun.

　That's what a man would do if he had to suppress a lot of emotions and cross his blade.
　But on the other hand.
　It was the first time I realized that the man who had just accepted the fight was also smiling like that, with the corners of his mouth raised, ready to strike down the man in front of him.




"...... You look good, that guy.


　I couldn't help but let my mouth hang open.
　Then he realized and looked around. Fortunately, no one around him was looking at the pasta.
　Once again, he put on a ridiculous expression and looked at the men playing with swords.