"Dreams of the future?

　It was just an ordinary day.

　Children of five and six years old, not even boys.
　The latest trend is to play with swinging wooden branches, which adults call "sword fighting".

　It was with this knowledge that we started playing "sword fighting".

　He was never the strongest of the group of kids.

　But a child's potential is limitless.
　Like the key to a fan, the future is wide, wide, wide open.

"So you want to be a fighter?
Haha. If you can do it, I can do it.
If you can do it, I can do it.' "Yes, yes, I can do it too!

　In response to his murmurings, the children chimed in.
　Since he was one of the younger members of the group, he was often subjected to this squealing from above.

　I didn't mind that.
　We had fun, and we got together all the time.
　We had fights, and we had disputes.
　But when we clash like that, there is a mutual recognition.

　And then one of the girls in the center of the circle smiled and said.

"Then why don't we all become swordsmen?

　That's it, everyone agreed.

'That's right, I'll be the first and you'll be the second.
What?　You can't beat me!

　The kids are yelling and screaming.

　The sun is about to set.

Do you really think you can become a swordsman?

　Taking a step back, he asked the girl.

　She thought about it for a moment and then said matter-of-factly.

She thought for a moment and then said matter-of-factly, "It's free to say, isn't it?

　Surely she didn't expect everyone's wish to come true.
　She didn't think their wishes would come true, she just enjoyed watching them try so hard to be happy.
　She wasn't a big kid, but she was a little bit older than them, and she was always trying to get them excited.
　I also remember that she always seemed to have an optimistic outlook, which made me feel a little sad.

'Well, I'll be your fighter. Really.
'...... What?　You will?
"Yes, I will.
"......
"......

　He looked at her squarely, as if to declare.
　After a short pause, she blew out as if she couldn't take it anymore.

"Pfft.
"Did you laugh?
'Hahaha. Okay, okay, good luck.
You're not really cheering me on, are you?
"Well, I wonder...

　"Well, I don't know." He laughs happily.
　I thought he was making fun of me, so I swung at him, but he easily dodged my twig.

"Your quickness is good. But you're not strong enough yet.
"Ugh. ......!

　But, she continued.

"I think I can ...... you, you know.


　--A few days later.
　She disappeared from the village.
　A few days later, she disappeared from the village. She was sold to a nobleman. It's a normal story.

　At the time, I was saddened and despairing.

　But then, after a while, I felt relieved.

　Red as an explosion.

　A year later. The village was eradicated, leaving him behind.

　That was just before he joined the orchestra.









　--Arena Spectacula.

......

　Step out of the entrance and you are in the arena.

　In the light, Libra Robinson was standing there.

"Are you okay?
...... Well, I don't know.
What do you mean, "what do you mean?

　I called out to her from behind, concerned because she seemed to be really out of it.
　If the reply was "I don't know," it was understandable that he was confused.

　When Futa scratched his head in annoyance, Libra said.

I was remembering something from a long time ago. I've been thinking about when I said I wanted to be a fighter.
"......
It was child's nonsense, and every child in the village had the same dream. But ...... I'm the only one who can make it come true.



　I clenched my fist.
　Just me. Futa doesn't know what kind of thought went into those words.
　But if you look at the expression on Libra's face, you can tell.

　I'm sure I'll never see them again.

Are you going back to your parents' house after this tournament?
Yes, that's my plan. They gave me a place to go back to after I lost everything. ...... I have to return the favor.
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 worth it.

There's not much I can do about that. But I get it. Let's win this thing and get some applause. Together.
"Are you sure about ......?　I don't know if I should say this, but I'm not so sure about me.
I'm not sure I trust you. I was a little nervous about trusting you, but then I saw the arena and you looked at me like that.
......

　I'm sure he meant everything he said.
　Futa has no more doubts.

　It's a relationship that I don't know how it would have turned out if Corona hadn't stepped in at that point.
　The bond we've just forged is here.

　Then...

Let's go.
Yes.


　I take a step forward.
　Under a sky bathed in light, applauded, and cheered...



The first match of the finals!　It's the first match of the tournament, and the champion is here!

In the first match of the finals, the "Champion" appears! This is the first time I've been able to do this.



　A pillar of fire erupted with a bang.
　A pillar of fire explodes, and out of the white smoke, Futa and Libra emerge.

　At the same time, a song resonates.




　--"Echoes of the Seven Seas, Triumphant Return of the Champion".





　The entrance theme song, composed by Mirabelle G. Gringott.
　The song, given to Futa as an individual and to this tag team, is a majestic song that will remain in the minds of the audience for a long time to come.

　The theme song, with its ruggedness and imposing atmosphere, will certainly be recognized as Futa's song.

"Well, well.

　Libra took a stance, and Futa followed suit.
　The two opponents, both of whom had made it through the qualifying rounds, raised the corners of their mouths and pointed their weapons at each other in an effort to avoid being overwhelmed by the atmosphere.

　Let's get started.


　The first round of the finals. From the very first shot, the champions began to overrun.















"Come on, big brother!　Hey, big brother!　It's on, the finals!　Congratulations on your first win!
"Yeah. Not a bad opponent.
"That's great.

　As soon as the first game was over, Futa was sent out to commentate.
　It's no wonder he was double-ordered to come straight at all times.
　Thinking that this "manager" must have something in mind, he came over and sat down at the commentary table.

　We exchanged a word or two, and I immediately understood her intentions.

'But let's say you were the last champion. But if you were the previous champion, why did you choose Libra when it came down to a tag team match?
"Why did you choose him?

　I'm sure you don't want to talk about how you got there at the last minute.
　I'm sure you're not going to want to talk about it at the last minute.

"That's right.

　Futa's voice echoed.
　Until the second match, the two siblings talked happily.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not.

　That's why this fake sister wanted to take advantage of the moment.

　Introducing Libra Robinson, her partner.

......

　As soon as the game was over, she saw Futa off, who had run to call her sister, and stepped into the audience to listen to the broadcast.

I've got a lot of reasons, but this is what I see now.

　Futa's voice echoed as he looked up.

"When I want to win, I'm not always alone. I want to win with someone else. That's when I thought about it.

　Pasta-chan's face almost crumbled slightly.
　But she shook her head and waited for Futa's words.

　When I was alone, I didn't taste victory.
　But not now.

"This Libra Robinson guy is cool and encouraging. And more than that, he's here because he wants to win, no matter what.
"Really?


"Oh. I'm going home to my parents. I can't believe I'm bringing home a flag as a souvenir. ......
"Wow!　I see!　Well, you'll have to do your best!

　Pasta said happily with a smile on his face.

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

"......
I'm not sure what to say.　You were amazing earlier!

　He was suddenly noticed by the audience, who seemed to have noticed him, and he received a lot of praise.

Keep it up!
Give me that string again!
I'll see you next time!

　The corners of my mouth slackened involuntarily.

"...... Yeah, yeah. I'll do my best.

　That was the first time.

　--Oh, guys. At last.

　Libra Robinson is now a fighting swordsman.




　--The real battle has begun.