--Arena Spectacula, the second martial arts tournament, the third game of the second round.

　The second round has already passed the halfway point, and the second half of today's match is about to begin.

　Painted on the cobblestone field are the names of the two teams that will appear.

　Namely.

"Team Friendship" and "Shadow Blade Brothers.

　Team Friendship, featuring the aristocratic gladius player Richter L. Klingbloom, the top four in the last tournament, is the most popular team.
　The Shadow Brothers, on the other hand, are one of the few qualifiers who survived the overwhelming majority of "preferential quotas".

　The two guards protecting King's Landing.

　They are the stars of expectation for spectators who have watched the qualifiers pass, and for those who live in the capital, the guards are like reliable neighbors.

　As a citizen of King's Landing, I can't help but expect them to do their best. Even though we know that we are at a disadvantage, we still care for them because we want to see them do their best.

　That's why I've been able to get the "upper hand" in team friendship.

　The other team is the Lord of Finance, whose existence is known to all.
　If the guards are the ones who support the city, then Richter is the representative of the aristocracy who keep the city alive.

　The confrontation between the two of them was attracting people's attention regardless of their performance.

The third match is about to begin!

　After the heat of the first and second games.
　After the heat of the first and second games, a girl's voice echoed through the spectacle.

　The tense air seemed to be on pins and needles.
　A sense of urgency prevailed in the hall, as if they were waiting for the moment to cut the goal tape, in such an atmosphere of expectation.

　Still, the Pomodoro siblings remained unchanged.

"Big brother, what do you want to see in the next game?
'Well... strategy.
"Strategy?

　"Strategy?" A comment that fuels anticipation for the next match.
　I'm not sure I understand what you're saying, but I'm waiting quietly for the next spectacle.

The Wild Hunt chose "compatibility" as a way to overturn the difference in strength. In other words, while Leafy, with her superior defense, is dealing with Izuna, Arrows decides by guiding Mr. Wind. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.
Yes, I agree. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. That's how I felt.
Yeah. You could say the same thing about the first game. The first game was similar, though it was more like Mion made the most of Prim.
I see.　So your brother is totally different this time?
Oh.

　I nodded.
　I'm sure many in the audience were surprised to hear that.
　We've just seen how the Wild Hunt fights.
　And they had also seen the Kage brothers fight yesterday.
　They thought they were as good as - if not better than - the Wild Hunt, and that their coordination was not inferior to that of the Wild Hunt.

　But Futa says otherwise.
　And he says.


"Two small pieces with exactly the same performance. Now I'm going to challenge them with two extra-large pieces.


　Many in the audience were amateurs in sword fighting.
　Many of the spectators are amateurs in sword fighting. They have no way of knowing the difference in ability between two teams that have never fought before.
　Therefore, the first words out of the mouth of the "commentator brother" would be the first time the audience would hear the overwhelming disadvantage of the "Shadow Blade Brothers".

　Regardless of who you ask, I don't believe that the "small pieces with identical performance" are on the side of team friendship, and in fact it is the Kagehachi brothers.

　As in the second game, there was a clear difference in favor and disadvantage.
　However, the "commentary brother" never mentions the winner. Rather, he takes the stance that there is no need for a fight if it is decided by advantage or disadvantage.

　Then surely the words he's about to say, "strategy," is the way the Kagehachi brothers will win.

It's a tough fight, isn't it?
Yeah. That's why strategy is so important. The interesting thing about this tag-team match is that the only way to win is not to be annihilated.
Yeah, right. You have to inflict defeat on one of the tag teams. It's the only way to win ......, brother. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
You can say that it is or you can say that it is not. What's the same is that you think of a plan and do everything you can to make it work. --The difference is...

　The difference is, quite frankly, more pronounced than in the second game.

　The difference between the two is even more pronounced than in the second game, where the Kage brothers will not stand a chance if they go head-to-head.
　If they go head-to-head, that is.

There are two main areas where the Shadow Brothers are ahead.
"Two?
First, their ability to work together. To be honest, I'd say this is stronger than the Wild Hunt. If anything, the Kagebane brothers have the best teamwork in this tournament. They've come this far because of it. The fact that they were able to come this far after failing to qualify in the last tournament is proof of their power.
I know what you mean, I know what you mean!　I'm sure it was amazing!　...... Well, what about the other one?

　I have no idea about the other one.
　I don't know the other one, but I'm sure Pasta's tilted head was also the will of the other audience.



The other would be Prim's well-honed "speed."
"Speed. ......
"It's not how fast you swing a weapon. It's the movement. That speed will be the difference between winning and losing this time.
"But no matter how fast you move...

　I'm not going to be able to do that.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm not sure what to make of that. There's a narrow path to victory there.
I see. So it's not zero at all!
Yeah. It's a tough road, but it's what fighting swords are all about when you beat that thorny path with your twin swords.
Yeah!　Thank you, big brother!

　Everyone understood the point of this match.
　It's just a matter of time before the Kage blade brothers, who are inferior in strength, are able to break the team's friendship through speed and coordination.

　Now that you know what to look out for, you receive the news that all the preparations have been made.

　Now, it's time to enter.





　--The Guardian's Shadow Dive.





　A big sunset, I guess.
　The sun shines bright red on the horizon, turning the sky orange.
　The earth is full of human activity.

　Two men are standing shoulder to shoulder in the breeze.

　They are not fighting, nor are they running.
　They are just standing there, doing nothing.

　And yet, for some reason, you can sense a certain dependability about them.

　Guardians.
　Guardians, as they are called, are not warriors who can be called fierce individuals.
　They are simply standing here in their hand-me-down gear, being paid by the day.

　But still, once...

　But still, once a powerful enemy appears in front of a city to protect.


　That Guardian will melt into shadow and disappear at the same time, becoming a blade to destroy that foreign enemy.


　A song with such a rich range of sound, like a story.



"Beyond the qualifiers, beyond the first round of the main tournament. Following the success of Aylin B. Smiles in the previous tournament, the Kagehachi brothers were the first to win the main tournament after passing the preliminary round.


　The wind blew into the arena at the same time as the white smoke billowed up.
　The fine sand swirled and blew, but it did not reach the audience. A strange effect filled the field.

"Before the game, I heard. "Before the game, I asked you if you were nervous, knowing that you were about to play the 'preferential' bracket.

　The cheers echoed. It was more like a wild joke, like a back alley brawl with people drinking and saying, "Get him," "Don't lose," "Kill him," and so on.

　However, I am sure that this is the audience that supports the "Shadow Blade Brothers" wholeheartedly.
　"The main event of the Sword Fighting Tournament. Most of the people who come to this spectacular stage are professional sword fighters.
　In such a situation, it is the "relatives" who usually work like the spectators, earning money every day. The stars for the workers must be these "Kage brothers".

"And then, you know, they said this.


　Two feet step onto the sandy cobblestones.


They said, "We can't afford to do that!


　A cheer went up from the crowd.
　This common phrase, which can be taken as both irreverent and pathetic, will surely light a fire in the hearts of the men fighting for their lives.


We know that all of our opponents are superior to us.　Then we have to fight with all our might, because we have no choice but to fight!　No matter how unreasonable they are, we're cutting our losses to make money every day!　--If that's the case, we'll be with you no matter how strong the enemy is!

　We can't live in freedom.
　You can't live free. You have to fight every day for a living, lamenting why you're taking such a hit. You can't help but give up, you can't help it, you can't help it, but you can't give up living.

"Losing this battle is the end!　If we have to keep winning, we have to do it!　I'm sure these "guards" won't stop serving the capital no matter what kind of monster appears in the capital!　They've been used to fighting against superior forces for years!

　Bill and Ben climbed onto the cobblestones.

　Bill and Ben stepped onto the cobblestones. They saw their co-workers shouting at them with drinks in their hands.

'Come on, you've got a whole arena full of people in similar situations watching you!　Don't you dare do anything stupid!　If you do anything shameful, you'll be a snack for the next year!

　The bearded man who was Bill's and Ben's boss gave a thumbs up from the audience.

　I can't lose.

But surely, if you win... Your victory is the victory of the guards. A victory for the guards is a victory for King's Landing. I'm sure you know what a fortune that pride will be!


You know what pride is worth!


　The two of them cowered and laughed at the roar of the crowd, which they could no longer tell if it was wild or cheering.


　There's no time to be nervous.
　No time to respond to the cheers.
　But I won't show my pathetic appearance either.

　To show the kids how cool it is to be a guard, to be men who protect King's Landing.

　--And to make sure there's good wine tomorrow.

　Bill and Ben are about to embark on a battle they can't afford to lose.



　The music ends and echoes anew.



　For a change, a fanfare shakes the sky.
　With the brass band in the forefront, a brave "white" fills the world.

　It was not the snow of the lilac season. It is a chalk that makes all who see it feel even sacred. It must be the back of a man who has built up trust.

　An anthem, if you will. Or should I call it a march?

　The percussion instruments echoed solemnly in my heart, and the drum and fife sounded in time.

　No one can say that it is like a king, but it is. But at least they represent a proud aristocracy that people feel closer to than kings.


But who would have guessed? But who would have guessed that after two rounds, there would only be two people left, including the champion, to hold that title?


　The white smoke from the entrance gate erupts from the opposite direction of Bill and Ben.
　As soon as his slender bare feet and fine slacks came into view, his entire body was slowly revealed.

　Richter's rough appearance of shorts and a short-sleeved hooded hoodie was not lost on Flux, who kept his formal attire.

　The loud Richter call began with the aristocrats, and spread throughout the arena, filling the arena.

　As was the case with Bill and Ben, the spectators who were rooting for one team or the other were in the minority.
　As a manager, I'm glad to see that neither team is losing steam.

But that doesn't mean that the Lord of the Treasury has anything on his mind. He simply swings away with his own sword. He has made a new friend, and his progress will not stop in this second tournament!

　Flux couldn't help but look around the arena.
　Like in the first round, this Richter guy's popularity was insane. A "nobleman" who was loved so much by the people despite his position as Lord of Finance. I never thought such an existence existed.

　But...

　But I guessed that his popularity was understandable. I smiled loosely and looked next to him.
　His fearless face was quietly looking at his opponent.

If, for example, the Shadow Blade Brothers are the protectors of the land of King's Landing, then surely this is the guardian of the heavens. It's not for profit, but for the purpose of comparing their strengths!


　Even if there is no such thing as fate.
　It's also a great way to get the most out of your business.

I'm sure you've heard of the power of protection. I'm sure Richter L. Klingbloom can't afford to lose!

　Let the festivities begin, just for fun.


"Team Friendship!　


It's very popular!
"...... Well, it's hard not to lose here.

　Richter's eyes narrowed.

"Oh, I'm sorry, it's not our fault.
"It's just that I'm not in the mood for discretion.

　Bill and Ben's apologetic, yet winning smiles.

　Richter raised one eyebrow and said.

I don't mind.

　So.


"Come and get your victory.





"And now, Team Friendship versus the Shadow Blade Brothers!



　Second round of the tournament. Game three.




Let the games begin!




　The battle is about to begin.





　What is the most important thing that the Kagehachi brothers have developed through their training with Prim?

　Is it the speed that Futa said was the key?
　Or was it endurance like Bob's?

　It was neither.

　After meeting and training with the best of the best, the most important thing they had developed, the most important experience they had gained, was the ability to see the other side.
　It's different from insight. For example, yes, what I just said.
　How disconnected from team friendship are Bill and Ben's abilities? The layman can't see that.
　I'm sure it was the same for them when they trained as guards. Even when they saw Prim, the vicious barbarian, they thought of her as nothing more than a pretty sister.

　That changed when they met Arawn B. Smiles, a similarly vicious and murderous princess.
　"This is bad," she thought.

　Now they have those eyes.
　They know the skill of their opponent's "team friendship". They have done so. They know they can't win a head-on fight.

　But the "eyes" they have acquired are not just a meter to measure the difference in skill.
　What can they do to win? What are their strengths and what are their weaknesses?

　In watching the tournament games, he found that team friendship was the best thing that he could do. The thin, winning edge.



　That's why I'm going for it.

What? Come and get your winnings. Come on, Ben!
Yeah!　Don't be shy-- I'm going to make the Lord Treasurer sorry!

　Flux's eyes widened in surprise as the two of them ran off.

　That's because he knows what they want.
　Of course, that wasn't limited to Flux.
　Richter also noticed their strategy and smiled.


　Okay, this is a little harsh.


　The strategy they'd taken.


　Instead of leaving Richter L. Klingbloom, whose "physical speed" parameter was a little lower than the rest of the swordsmen, they left him behind.


　Instead of leaving Richter L. Klingbloom, who had a slightly lower "physical speed" parameter, behind, he went after Flux with a two-man blitzkrieg.