--The second game of the first round, a few minutes before the final.

　The empty waiting room was, oddly enough, the exact same room Leafy had used in the second and third rounds.

"......

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it before.

"Hahaha!　I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea to have a pre-fight waiting room!　There's a lot of tough guys in there.
Hey, hey, why are you bringing the kid in? You've got a lot of room.

　Listen closely and you'll hear a hallucination. The exchange between Futa and Pasta in the third round...

That's right. As far as the members are concerned, it's true that they're all pretty good. But if I had to pick one to watch, it would be these two.
"Eh!　Who are they?
I'm not sure what to make of this.

　A lot has happened in just ten days.
　In just ten days, a lot has happened. I've faced many warriors and made it to the finals just as I had dreamed.

　No, he shakes his head.
　I shake off the visions and auditory hallucinations.

　It's not what I dreamed of. It was much, much harder and much more fun.
　I'm here because of them. I'm not alone. I can still feel the fierce men I fought with in this waiting room.

　For her, who had been wielding her sword alone, the air in this waiting room seemed like a place to return to.

I guess I should concentrate on .......

　She closed her eyes and tried to sharpen her fighting spirit for the next match.
　It would have been nice to be able to do that, but it didn't work out that way.

　It wasn't the same as nervousness. I was used to the atmosphere of that field. I'm confident that I'll be able to perform to my full potential, no matter if it's the final or not.

　It's not fear either. My opponent is Richter L. Klingbloom. The fact that he was an aristocrat did not mean that he could go easy on him, as evidenced by Prim Lancaster's skill earlier. I now know that the "preferential treatment" is not just a name.

　So what is it that interferes with your concentration?

　I don't even know if I can call it a hindrance at this point.
　Because.

　I can't help but look forward to it.
　Just like the day before my father took me out on the town.
　I can't control the pounding of my heart.

　I close my eyes, I cover my ears, but the corners of my mouth still rise up.

"Good luck with that. I'll see you through in your own way.

　I also got a shout out from a neighbor I don't know how to describe.
　So I won't lose anymore. I can't lose and I don't want to lose.

"Leafy, are you there?
Yeah, I'm open.

　So I raised my voice with a smile.
　I wasn't distracted, and I didn't feel like being alone.
　When I greeted him in a very chipper tone of voice, the inquirer raised one eyebrow and seemed to relax.

I wasn't really worried about you, but you seem like a natural.
"Well... I'm not really worried, but you look natural. ...... Strangely enough, I can't help but look forward to it.

　You can find a lot of people who are looking forward to this.
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.

Again, congratulations on making it to the finals. I'm sorry about yesterday.
I'm sorry about yesterday. ...... Well, that's okay. I'm the first champion of the worst table air.
You care a lot, don't you?
It's not good when I think about it. ......

　If you rub the bridge of your nose, the young man laughs, somewhat softly.

And?　You came all the way from the commentary table to tell me that?
I'm not sure if I'd call it that, but... I was on my way back to the officials' waiting room to talk to the referee.
Oh, it was ...... prims. I wonder if it was his fault for not understanding the rules properly, or if it was cowardly of Aylan to offer him his head. ......
I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.　I think it's more like 7 to 3 for Aylan because he was so sure.
I guess that's the way it goes for a commentator.

　I put my hands behind the back of my head as a pillow and look at the ceiling.
　As the audience buzzed during the intermission, Leafy thought to himself.

Why are you doing this commentary?
"Why are you doing this now?
I'm not really interested. I'm just ......



　Glancing over at Futa, Leafy couldn't help but ask.
　She hadn't been able to hear Futa's commentary during the match.
　She hadn't been able to hear Futa's commentary during the match, but it had become obvious to the audience that he was a swordsman of the Sakurahana Itto-ryu school. I have heard that the reason for this was Futa's commentary.

"How did you know about my sword?
"If you didn't, it wouldn't be an explanation.
"That's not what I meant. ...... Well, whatever. It doesn't matter if you ask me now. But, Futa. I'll tell you something.
Hmm?
I'm a swordsman of the Sakuraba Itto style. This is not my style. I must perfect it and show the world.
...... Okay.

　There were many questions I wanted to ask, such as whether Futa was acquainted with the swordsman of the Sakuraga Itto Ryu.
　But the second game is about to start. I also know that asking won't change anything.

　Then all I have to do is to show the man in front of me that I am a swordsman of the Sakuraga Itto Ryu.

I'll be back soon. Good luck with the match.
It's obvious.

　If I had wanted to, I would have liked to hear more about Richter the swordsman.
　He would have seen his match in the preliminaries. This one didn't.
　But he didn't know if it was fair to ask from someone he knew, so he kept his mouth shut.

　But...

I'm not sure if it's fair to ask from someone who knows," Leafy said, but "Richter-san is an expert in Lander-style dueling, with a strong aptitude for one-on-one combat. It's a complete onslaught, and the only way you're going to win is if you can outlast him.
"Oh?　Oh? Are you sure?
Mr. Richter's been watching you fight.
...... I see.

　Leafy exhaled as the door closed behind him.
　Maybe he was here to give you that information all along.

　Fair or not.
　It was right after a controversial match that raised such questions.
　Taking what he could get, Leafy stood up.

　Now, the match is at hand.













　--Arena Spectacula.

　At the signal of the start of the match, Leafy prepared his defensive sword "Edare-Zakura".
　Richter, on the other hand, charged forward with all his might from the very first move, and the first shot of the match was when he raised the weeping cherry tree from below.

"It's started!　It's started, big brother!
"Yes, it has. It's going to be a tough fight, but I hope you do well.
Yes!　Good luck, both of you!

　The audience cheered for the two on the field as the child girl smiled at them.
　It was a little easier to see and understand than the previous match, with Richter wielding a gladius and Leafy using a sharp, calm sword.

　Compared to the previous match, in which the offense and defense changed one after the other, it was a tiring match for the spectators.
　We all know that Leafy's sword is a sword technique where he holds his ground and hardly moves from his spot.

　Since the commentator was the one who informed the audience, the audience could somewhat imagine the flow of the match and how the game would end.

　This vagueness is surprisingly significant.
　The fact that the strongest fighters are fighting each other and you don't know how it's going to turn out is a kind of unnecessary tension for the audience.
　On the other hand, in a match between those who have a clear style, there are only two choices, to extend or to warp that style, and because you know what to do to win or what to do to lose, the slightest movement by a fighter can make you say, "Not good! "Go!" "Go!" It was important for me to be able to react to the slightest movement of a player.

　In that sense, this is probably a better way to enjoy the game.

　--And that's all I have to say about it.

I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.
Yeah, right. I don't think I need to explain the Lander style of dueling to you.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　Both sides were still in the early stages of the match, but both sides - especially Richter - seemed to be giving it their all as the crowd watched with clenched fists, wondering when the balance of the match would be broken.

The gladius, also known as the duelist's sword, is a weapon. It is particularly effective in one-on-one combat, being heavy when swung down and quick and thick defensively when swung away, making it a sword that can be used against a single opponent. The Lander School of Dueling is a school of "fighting" that begins by pulling the opponent out of the battlefield into a one-on-one battle, but that's not necessary this time. There are only two of you to begin with.
"Wow, there are so many different types of swords!
There is a big difference between a sword and a gladius, even if they are the same. There's a big difference between a sword and a gladius, like the difference between a chicken's egg and a quail's egg.
I'm not sure about that, big brother. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that my brother's hobby is cooking.

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.

I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it. You'll be able to understand Leafy's skill with the sword when he is able to overcome that initial onslaught.
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
"Hmm?　Oh.



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

　If Richter is already at full throttle, so be it. Leafy's clear and simple winning strategy is to outsmart all of them and counter at the slightest opportunity.

　On the other hand, it will be a tough fight for Richter, who has not been able to break Leafy's stronghold despite his best efforts.

　Richter will continue to wield his gladius, and Leafy will continue to overcome everything.

　The crowd was getting into the mood.
　Leafy fans are getting excited by Leafy's dominance.
　Richter fans clench their fists and shout when they hear that Richter is outnumbered.
　Those who were neither of the above, but who had their hearts set on the inferior Richter.

"But, brother, Richter has some great Lander-style dueling techniques, doesn't he?
"You mean the stroke?　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it.
So it's going to be like Richter's stroke vs. the weeping cherry tree!
I don't know. ......
"Big brother?

　I'm not sure.
　There were many spectators who tilted their heads in the same way she did.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　His muddled words had not been heard even in the match between Prim and Arawn.

　He was staring at Leafy and Richter below him.
　Richter is still wielding his gladius, and Leafy is still on the receiving end.

　It's not easy to break down the stronghold of Leafy, who is completely on the defensive. That is why Richter has not been able to issue a single stroke.
　Futa, who has grasped the whole situation, is showing off the power of his golden eyes, but he seems to have abandoned his role as a commentator.

　It's the pasta I'm complaining about.
　That's right, two for one. Even if not, the commentary is important to keep the audience interested even in such stalemates.

　I could have shouted at him, but that would have been fine.
　I could have shouted at him, but in order to get him to open up, I'm going to blackmail him with the words of a child.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I'm talking about.
I know it's a great game to watch, but can you help me understand it? The moment the equilibrium between Richter's offense and Leafy's defense is broken, the game could be over.
"Mmm.

　Pasta's cheeks puffed up in a cute way.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
　--In other words, it was a sign that the game was not moving at this time in the first few minutes, and it was inevitable that people would look away.

　In order to change this situation, Pasta had a quick thought to introduce Richter and Leafy.
　He had already talked about Leafy in the third round, so why not Richter?
　Lander's style of dueling is not lacking in drawers, he thought.

"So what about this?　What would Richter need to do to turn the tables on him? How should he fight from your point of view?

　So I asked.

　She usually asks questions and lets Futa come up with the answers so that she can be a live commentator. She knew that it was her duty to use her inexperienced commentary to liven up the audience, and that's why she asked the question.

　But the answer that came back was literally the opposite of what Pasta had imagined.

'What?　What are you talking about?
"Huh?

　Futa was the one who raised his voice in surprise.
　Pasta wasn't the only one surprised by the unimaginable reaction.
　But before you can ask him what, the gullible commentator simply said.



I'm only worried about Leafy from the beginning.




　--I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

　I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

　I'm not sure what to make of it. It's a very heavy sword, and if you take it seriously, it will break your sword. You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

"Well, it's pretty tough. "I see.
"You're talking ......!

　The hands that hold the sword are numb.
　The basic stance of the weeping cherry tree is to always hold the sword to the side of the cheek. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how to get it.

　And yet, this man's blow was one of the heaviest he had ever received.

　It was not to be compared to Izuna Sienzan's hammer axe.
　His grandiose technique, once surpassed, leaves little room for error.
　But Richter's gladius, for all its thickness and weight, is not very long, and the sword itself is not large.
　That is why it is so easy to handle. It has an excellent trunk for stepping in, and does not sway even a little when you handle it with the sword.

　If you continue in this state, you will be pushed around in no time.

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.

I'm not sure what to do.

　This is the first time that I've ever seen such a thing.
　The timing of the attack, which would normally be considered a bad move, was so brilliant that it can be praised as one of sense.
　This is the first time I've ever seen this kind of thing.

　But...

It's light.

　But Richter's Gladius stopped him with one arm. And at the same time, Leafy's torso is crushed open.



I'm not sure what to say.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not going to lie.
"You're a very unmannerly young lady. No, ...... are they all like this? You can forget it.
f*ck you!

　Roar.
　I can't lose, I can't lose. I don't want to lose, I can't lose. But I don't know how to pry it open.


　When I first saw Arawn B. Smiles, I thought that one guy like him would have won the championship easily.
　But no.
　Leafy wouldn't miss his next potential opponent in the first round. But what he saw opened his eyes.

　The Arawn was being pushed. If it was a matchup, he could lose.
　There was a part of her that thought, "That's ridiculous," and another that thought the existence of the "preferential quota" was a threat.
　Strangely enough, I didn't have the option of giving up, and oddly enough, I even thought it would be fun.

　If I could win this game, I could challenge Arawn B. Smiles.

　What would you have said to yourself a while ago? Would I look at myself as if I were a monster?
　I don't know. But if there's one thing I know.

　If I lose here, the image of myself being able to challenge Arawn will fade away.

I can't lose. ...... Sorry, but you're going to have to stay with me until the end!
I can't lose. ...... I see.

　I know I'm outnumbered and have no options at the moment.
　That's why it's an endurance battle. He knew he was outnumbered and had no options at the moment.

　He gave up on the offensive and fought off Richter's onslaught.

　The corners of Leafy's mouth naturally turned up.

　The desire to challenge Arawn was strong.
　But before that, she was happy to be competing against a warrior who was also a "preferential candidate" like Aylan.
　It made me realize that I had made it to the finals.

　So, yeah.

　If we win this, we can challenge Arawn. But not "for that."

　I want to wrest victory from the man in front of me.
　I want to beat this powerful enemy as much as Aylin.

I don't want to lose ......!

　I'll take Richter's gladius, I'll take it, I'll take it.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　But...

　What you have in front of you...

　"The preferential slot.


"The weeping cherry tree is strong. But that's just the basic stance of the Sakuraga Itto-ryu. But that's just the basic stance of the Sakuraga Itto-ryu. In other words, the school of Sakuraga Itto-ryu exists to attack based on the Edatarezakura.

　There were cheers of excitement.

I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm sure you're right. That decision was certainly correct. You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

"But...

But Mr. Richter hasn't done anything yet.




The Lander Way of Dueling: One Stroke





　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

　It was just after he had dealt a blow to Gladius that he was slashed in a kesa-slash.
　Richter's mood changed - no.

"You said you didn't want to lose. Then you deserve to win. "Prove it."

　He grasped his sword in both hands. The sword in his hand was double-handed. A huge blow was delivered as if he were slashing from a low position.


　

"Oh... I'm not sure what to say.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

You said, "A weeping cherry tree versus a stroke. That's not appropriate. "If he gives you a stroke, it's over. No, let me put it this way.

　Huta paused, as if to rephrase.

"There is no one in King's Landing who can prevent that move.

　There is no one in King's Landing who can prevent that move," he muttered, "except for himself, who is aware of the foul play.

　--Prim Lancaster used to invite Richter to train with him.

　It wasn't that he was putting up with Richter.
　It wasn't a compromise.

　Prim's skills were better than Richter's.


　That's why she can get around without being hit by a stroke.
　That goes for Lilac too, who is considered the best in the country.

　Because if you get hit by a stroke, you lose.
　I will stand my ground to avoid being hit.

　That's why, in his training, he dared Richter to attack him and improve his martial arts.




It's true that the barbarian has made it much easier for me to unleash.


　Prim is the only one who can take a stroke and not get hurt.
　This is why Richter was able to refine his own skills after a long time.
　In the meantime, Richter knows very well that Prim was burning with infinite fighting spirit in the face of a stroke that she could not conquer in any way.



I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　'How could you have prevented that?
Pasta could have done it.
"What?　I'm not a warrior or anything!

　I'm not a warrior or anything!" The timing of the joke made Pasta look at Futa with a smile. "Are you kidding me? Futa shook his head as he saw the blue streaked forehead with "Are you kidding me?

It's no joke. In order to conquer a stroke, you need to know everything about it.

　Lander's Dueling Technique: One Stroke is the art of wielding a sword with maximum efficiency.
　A single stroke is a technique that keeps the sword swinging at peak efficiency.
　The technique can be continued endlessly until the opponent's weapon is flicked.
　If you challenge this with only half knowledge, your starting point will be shifted and you will be killed.

　That's why, other than knowing the trajectory like Futa, the quickest way is to memorize everything, even though it may sound ridiculous.

　If she has an exceptional memory, or... That's all I was thinking.

　Just...

　Futa thought.

　If only there was a way to "break" Richter's strokes, rather than outsmarting them.

　Futa looked at the sword lying on the field and shook his head, thinking it was nothing.

　You can't help but think about the techniques of people who aren't in King's Landing, and even then, it's a gamble.
　Futa would much rather imitate Richter and bounce back every stroke than use that technique.
　And I'm sure she would love to beat Richter with the Sakurahana Itto Ryu.

　So.

"...... Give us another great match, Leafy.

　This is not the end. She brought the most heat to the arena spectacle.
　You can't break. You can look forward. Because--

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that," she said.

"...... We'll win next time, Richter.
If you have time, I'll be your opponent.

　--because she's looking forward.



"Winner!　Richter L. Klingbloom!




　Finally, the crowd erupted as if they had been brought back to this world.