Well, here we are, just as we thought.

　The management office of the great festival of the four heavenly temples' entrance had already moved to the main camp to intercept the attackers.
　No one was in a hurry. It was as if it was planned from the beginning, gathering information and flying instructions to Shitenji, Omine, and Shinzen, the followers who belonged to each of them.
　The one who is in charge of this headquarters is Akera's father, Kamizen Koumei, son of Zamanosuke.
　In the Shitennji family, Takaaki is a man who has shown extraordinary talent as the owner of a high level of tactical ability as well as his ability as a spirit user. He is usually very reserved and keeps to himself, keeping to himself in the background, because his main duty is to support both the front and back of Shitenji.
　In other words, outwardly, he is responsible for the diplomacy of the Shitenji family, and behind the scenes, he identifies, monitors, and in some cases, actively deals with organizations or individuals who have bad intentions towards the Shitenji family.
　It was also by this Takaaki that he had previously led an attack on the Dark Night's Leopard led by Hyakugan, who had come to Japan at the behest of Zhu Yin.
　He had naturally been appointed as the chief officer in this great festival of the entrance of the family, as it was natural to do so.

''How many enemies do you have?''

　With a calm glint in his set gray hair, Takaaki sorted out the situation.

''There are five of us, including Julian Knight. Other than Julian Knight, there are two in the bleachers and two near the mansion where the participants in the Grand Festival are staying.''

''Hmmm.......First, let's send Omine and Kamizen's team to the enemies in the bleachers as soon as possible. It may already be confusing, but we don't want to cause any more damage to our guests. The enemy's strength is still unknown. Don't force yourself into it, we just need to be able to stop the guests from escaping.

'Yes, sir, I understand. What shall we do elsewhere?

Their target is the heart of the Shitenji family. Even if we don't tell them, they will still come here. The rest of the personnel can gather at the place where Akane-sama and the others are.

''Ha... but that would bring in the enemy and leave Zhu Yin-sama and the others in danger...''

I'll be fine.

　Takaaki replied to his subordinate's opinion in a clear tone of voice and then smiled at his subordinate.

It is true that that place is the heart of the Shitenji and there are people we must protect. But at the same time, don't forget that this is where the best force of the Shitenji is located.

Yes!

　Takaaki's theory is that the most important factor in battle is organizational strength. The squires belonging to the Shitennji family are all granular. On top of that, he fully understands the characteristics of their members and assumes that as a team they will be able to win the battle against powerful individuals.
　That's why I put the most care into organizing the team. At that point, he considers that half of his work is done.
　But at the same time, there are people who deviate from such a theory of Takaaki's.
　These are people who are individually overwhelmingly competent and capable of calculating their own substandard strength as individuals.
　These people are sometimes unable to demonstrate their abilities by being integrated into the organization.
　All you have to do is tell such people the situation and information about the enemy. And then provide them with a place where they can easily fight.
　This is the strategy in the battle of Koumei, who knows Yi Cheng, Zhu Yin......and Mizuho, who reigns over the Shitennji family.
　Here, Takaaki remembered the existence of an important person.

''How is my son-in-law doing?''

Yes, it looks like they've already planted it on Julian Knight. We can see it on the video now.

　Immediately, through the monitor, Takaaki saw Yuto's figure. He was aware that he had received a request from Zhu Yin to participate in the Mizuno escort. So he felt good about the fact that this boy carried out the request sincerely and rushed to Julian, who was the originator of this attack, right away.

''Hmph, you're fast!　

''This is........Takaaki-sama!

　Takaaki and his men held their breath for a moment.
　Because just now, they had witnessed the battle between Yuto and Julian through the images. The two of them collided, and the shockwave caused the camera to vibrate and the screen to shake violently.
　Both sides analyzed the fight in the first round of the tournament. We knew that they were both young men, yet talented and capable.
　But with this clash between the two sides, Takaaki immediately understands.
　These two........are not at that level.
　
　The shaking of the screen gradually subsided, and more attacks and defenses unfolded.
　While Takaaki was greatly surprised.......his cheeks gradually loosened and finally he started laughing out loud.
　His subordinates, as well as Yuto, raised their eyebrows and stared suspiciously at Takaaki's reaction, despite the fact that they had increased their tension at the ability of their enemy, Julian.

''Groom-dono!　Brilliant ... a brilliant young man!　Rejoice, that such a boy would come to the side of Ruiho-sama!

"...What?　Yes, then send your troops out immediately...

I take that back.

What?

Don't you see?　My son-in-law's incompetence and lack of proper cover will only hinder him!　Alright, let's have Ming Liang, who knows his son-in-law well, go here...!　No, it's interesting that I dare to ask Mizuho-sama to go into battle here.

Takaaki-sama!　What do you mean by that?　Asking Mizuho-sama to go to the front line...

''Just make a dedication to Master Zhu Yin, then you can decide.

Okay, yes.

　 Probably, no, it's an expression of thinking that this proposal will be repelled for sure.
　Immediately afterwards, Takaaki's smile disappears and his face turns straight, and he thinks about it.
　He could see the strength of Julian Knight fighting with Yuto, and he could gauge the strength of the rest of the attackers.
　Julian Knight's ability to fight Yuto is also substandard. Nothing could be more terrifying as an enemy.
　Even though he had invited them to join him, it seems that he had brought in something extraordinary, Takaaki understood.
　Of course, he never thought of underestimating the enemy's ability from the beginning. However, it is an undeniable fact that they exceeded expectations. If that's the case, then it's better to consider the other enemies as equal.

As I'm sure the participants in the game are already aware of, tell them to cancel the festival and to leave. Also, can you get in touch with Lord Douglas Gans?

'Yes, I've told them how to contact you, so they can. I'm sure you'll understand if you send the wind.

All right, get me some help right away. Now if only the Lord Swordsman and others would be willing to work on it, that would be very reassuring.

Ha-ha, of course we do.

　Takaaki turned at the sudden voice from behind him.
　There was Hisae, who was showing a divine expression along with Swordsman Alfred Arkwright, and Mirage Kaizono, who was a participant in the Grand Festival, as well as Tendouji, who had abstained just after the start of the second round of the tournament, behind them.

''Kenshin!　And Hisae.

'Takaaki-sama, Al...................The Sword Sage is moving. Not only that, but these two as well.

　Sighing with a subtle expression, Nisae introduced a grumpy-looking Kaizono with her arms folded behind a smiling Kensho and Tendouji with a bitter smile in his eyes.

''Oh, I see, your help is painful, Kensei.''

　Takaaki, who responds with a joyful smile, simultaneously analyzes the forces and ponders where to deploy them in his mind.

''So, Takaaki-dono, can you tell me the situation?''

Of course, Ken Sei.

　When Takaaki briefly explained the situation and the predictable strength of the enemy, Ken Sage nodded widely.

''Understood, then I'll go to Dou Dou Yuto-kun's place. Let's have these two people head towards the mansion that is the participants' quarters. How do you like it?

　At this time, Takaaki was caught off guard by this offer from the Sword Saint, but he immediately showed a calm expression.

''I understand. By all means, I would like to ask you, I am grateful that the Sword Saint is willing to provide our son-in-law's support. I would like you to head over immediately.

　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're talking about.

Duly noted. So long.

　Kensei flipped his muscular body and signaled to Kaizono and Tsukasa with his eyes, and all three of them left while Tsukasa pushed Kaizono's back as he babbled, "Why are you here.......me?".
　As the three of them left, Takaaki turned to face the remaining Nisae.



''I didn't know that either. I don't know what he's thinking, but I'm getting a headache too.

''Hmm, it seems that the Sword Sage is quite attached to his son-in-law as well, although I'm not sure why...''

....

''Gee, Hisae looks grumpy. With that face, can't you forgive yourself for not being able to tell me everything?

!　.........that's not what I'm talking about!

　Takaaki smiles as Hisae reveals her emotions.

'Hisae, sometimes a man is the most important woman in the world and that's why he doesn't tell you anything. For a woman, though, there are some things that can be hard to get through to her. That's what I saw in this man, especially the man called Kensei.

...What?

''It's a weakness that I'm in love with such a man. You should believe in him more, Nisae, you should believe in your swordsmanship.

'What?　I'm sorry...!

　Koumei laughed at the talented woman from the Oomine family who was in a temperament, and quickly regained her commanding face and stared at the images set up in various parts of the grounds.

''The situation has changed. Considering the fact that we have more time to spare in our forces, let's go on the offensive at the right time!

""Yes!"

　Inside the headquarters, where morale was rising, Hisae was the only one with a red face and clenched teeth.



''Dou Dou Yujin!　You're good!　How dare you outlast this onslaught of dancing swords!　I'm so annoyed!

....

　Yuto was moving towards the heavyweight seat where Mizuho and the others were, playing off Julian's sword shots that seemed to cling to him persistently.

'I wouldn't want you to tell me that!

　Yuto stopped abruptly and cleaved a posture to Julian.
　Julian catches that ETOBAI again with his unreliable stance while chasing Yuto around.

''You still don't understand that it's useless!　You lowlife!

　Without changing his expression, Yuto assesses the trajectory of the Dancing Sword's receipt of the posture.

(Does the sword itself have a will...?)

　There is no doubt about it, Yuto thinks. The Dancing Sword clearly moves without the will of its owner, playing off the enemy's attacks, and then attacking the exact part of the enemy's gap.
　Once again, when he pushes Julian back, Yuto starts to move.

''Utterly unteachable monkey!　You still don't understand that you can't escape this sword!

　Without a moment's pause, Julian gave chase again.
　A similar offensive and defense was repeated many times, and gradually Yuto came to a square with a good view of the grass near the bleachers.
　Yuto bent down to avoid Julian's sideways sword strike from behind, and after jumping forward and taking a passive position, Yuto turned back to Julian and went on the offensive.
　Yuto and Julian unleashed dozens of blinding sword strikes.

''Oh?　What, you finally gave up?　You finally realize that you can't get away with it?

You're an idiot.

　Julian's sarcastic smile is returned by Yuto with a scowl.

''Ahhhh!

That's not why I'm here.

　Yuto catches the swing from the top of the Dancing Sword without popping it.

''I just thought I'd end it around here...''

You're what?

We could bring your people over here, couldn't we?　Plus, I wanted to get closer to where Mizuho-san and the others were.

'Huh!　You're an idiot!　What's the point of it all?!

You're a tough guy, but you're a dumbass!

!

　Yuto's right leg seemed to disappear for a moment, and then a god-awful kick closed in on Julian's side.
　Julian's eyes widened, he twisted his neck, and in the nick of time, Yuto's foot passed a few millimeters away from Julian's cheek.
　Julian unconsciously jumped back and with a dumbfounded face, he slowly put his hand on the single scar that had formed on his left cheek.

''Te Te........''

That sword is awesome. Yes, it's impressive. But haven't you done the research beforehand?　me. If that's the case, why would you challenge me with that weapon?

What... what?

I'm a close combat specialist. In other words, I'm best at this kind of battle, and it's the kind of battle where I can show my strength the most. You know what I mean?　Then if you wanted to take me down you should have hit someone who could attack at all ranges. It's really stupid, you don't usually set up in your opponent's area of expertise. A fight is supposed to be about attacking the opponent's weaknesses, especially if you're exchanging lives!

　Yuto sets up.
　Julian intercepts him and their swords cross repeatedly as their swords cut through to each other's space.
　But ... there was a change in Yuto's movements.
　Yuto switched his ETIbai to his right hand and then to his left and returned fire. His movements are truly transformative.

''Nah!''

　As if dancing, Yuto's movement accelerated even faster.

''Guu!''

　Yuto's left fist enters Julian's side. Unable to stop, Yuto held the Dancing Sword down from above with his ETI-Baku and delivered a spinning kick to Julian, who was in agony in front of him.
　It's a good thing that this kick was taken seriously and Julian was blown backwards as if he were gliding across the earth and could be seen knocking down trees in the far distance.

'You're not much of a swordsman, you can't keep up with the movements of that divine sword. That sword was a waste of treasure, it's too good for you.

　As he said that in a small spit, Masato stared in the direction of the heavyweight seat where Mizuho and the others were.