Good to see you, Sagara Kurohiko.
Oh it's been a while, Commander Sogut.

　Among the faces of the Knights who came to the school this morning, there was no sign of Commander Sogut.
　From the appearance of Instructor Isabella, it seems that she didn't know about the leader of the Holy Tree Order coming as a special instructor.

'Well, I didn't expect Commander Sogut to come himself.

　In a low profile, Instructor Isabella said.

I had some business to attend to, and I'm late to arrive. The headmaster should have known that I was going to be a special instructor for this special group, but did he not get the message?

　He asks, and I shake my head.

'No, I wasn't listening.'

　I guess it could be that I was so busy with Makina-san that I forgot about it.
　Maybe he didn't tell her because he didn't dare to surprise her.......
　Commander Sogut hands the sword at his waist to Instructor Isabella.

''I was approached by the head of the school the other day to see if I could ask for a special instructor.
Makina-san....

　--I'm going to assist in your training for the battle against Hibigami in my own way.

　I must say that it is as good as it gets, since this is how it is quickly arranged.
　After whispering something in Isabella's instructor's ear, Commander Sogut said.

'But in any case, I was planning to cross swords with Sagara Kurohiko. Before you fought that man, Hibigami.
What?

　Mr. Currier, reacting, asks a question.

'What do you mean by that?'
"After I returned from taking the fort and fought the giants who came to King's Landing - that is, after I fought that woman you've been talking about, Noyes D'Ys - I crossed swords with the hibigami.

　Surprise appears on Currier-san's face.
　I was surprised too.
　I didn't know that Hibigami and Commander Sogut were fighting each other without my knowledge.

Then he told me to train Sagara Kurohiko. At least that's what I interpreted that man's words to mean.
f*ck that guy.

　Mr. Currier clicks his tongue evasively.

'Um, Commander Sogut,'
What?
What was the result of the battle?

　With a huff, Commander Sogut smiles at Nikhil.

Well, it's as if that man let me off the hook. I've met many skilled traders in the past, but that man is different. It's as good as the Four Deadly Sins... or worse.

　Instructor Isabella brought a training sword and handed it to Commander Sogut.
　Commander Sogut thanked her briefly and gave the sword in his right hand as if to check his senses.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time with us," he said, "but I'm going to be in charge of your training for a while as a special instructor. Once again, I look forward to working with you.
Well, I don't know if it's possible, but this special instructor thing...
Huh, you noticed. Yeah, I noticed. Originally, I was the one who came up with the idea. Later on, after consultation with the school, it was realized. At first, Lili and the others were opposed to it, citing the lack of personnel. Even so, in the end, that guy from Diares pushed it through with his good speech. It would be a great help to the leader if the deputy commander had a sharp tongue.

　Huh?

But Commander Sogut told me earlier that Makina-san approached him...
I guess the reason the headmaster approached me is because he didn't expect me to be there. The names of all the people who are going to be assigned as special instructors were given together, but I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to coordinate my schedule until the last minute, so I'm sure my name wasn't included.

　What you just said means that Commander Sogut took time out of his busy schedule to come all the way to train me.

'Thank you, Commander Sogut.
Well, no need to thank me. If you don't beat the guy, I'll have to take care of the next one. So you must defeat that man by all means.

　After saying that jokingly, Commander Sogut moved to the center of the training ground.

''Then it's time to get started.
Okay.

　He grabs his training sword and I run to the center.
　This is a great opportunity for me.
　If this person can train me, I'm sure I'll become even stronger than I am now.

It's a pleasure to work with you.

　He readies his sword.

'You're getting a good look. You're getting more of a vibe with your sword at the ready.

　Currier-san is standing alongside Instructor Isabella, arms crossed and staring at us.

''For now, let's just say we're going to practice swords only, no jutsu or forbidden spells?
Yes. I want to work on my sword, too.
Okay. Now, let's start out with a little sword.

　I nodded my head.

''Well.........''

　It's very intimidating.
　It's seamless.
　The guy I fought the other day, Chairman Koudelka, was amazing, but this guy is in a class of his own.
　He has an air of distinction that only a strong man can possess.

　How do I hit him?
　How's the right thing to do?
　I don't know how to build a fight.

-Oh!

　The leader of the Sogut group jumped in at the slightest opening created by the thought.
　He took a defensive stance to catch the attack.
　Commander Sogut's first strike - was light.
　A feint.
　He tries to discern his next move from the start of his hand and eye movements.
　But the preliminary movements are surprisingly small.
　The speed of the sword shot is also barely enough to follow with the eyes.
　Commander Sogut turns around, sinking deep to the side, and delivers two blows and a strike.
　You can just barely handle that attack.
　The next moment, Commander Sogut slips his sword blade on my blade.
　What is it?
　........right.
　This one crosses the blade and tries to play it off - no, no!
　A poke in the side of the head, a prod.

　A clank of a sword.

　Paper-thin, and somehow I managed to prevent a thrust into my armpit.

"Nice reaction time.

　Commander Sogut says in an admiring tone and takes his distance.

''.........Huh.

　I wipe the sweat that has been dripping down my chin.
　Amazing.
　The attack is a mixture of precision and roughness.
　There are no useless motions as if they are not.
　Commander Sogut loosens his stance.

"Uh, your left eye.
Left eye?

　...Oh, yeah.

That's good to know. Earlier, I sank deep into the water and went around to the left side of the room, in your view. You know what I mean?

　This was something I had felt in my training with Currier-san.

'Blind spots, yes.
'Yes. The right eye alone inevitably creates a blind spot on the left side.

　It's harder to visualize the left side of my body than it was with both eyes.
　So when you are in battle, you have to pay some attention to your position.
　The problem of perspective, which is often talked about in battle cartoons, is something that I've come to grasp through sensory familiarity... Well, it's tough as expected against a skilled opponent like Commander Sogut.
　After all, the loss of one eye is a bit of a painful blow.
　........But I don't regret to the slightest degree that I traded my left eye for it in order to protect the people I care about.
　Even if it becomes a disadvantageous factor in the battle--

But it's not a problem.
What?

　Commander Sogut taps his own left shoulder with his sword.

''It may feel uncomfortable for a while, but after a few years, you'll get used to it surprisingly. Sometimes, though, it's like a strange pain.

　It would be a reference to what was called phantom pain in the previous world - phantom limb pain.
　The phenomenon of feeling pain even though the lost part of the body is lost.
　I've never felt pain in my left eye so far, but....
　But what did he mean earlier when he said there was no problem?
　Commander Sogut asks.

'How did you feel after my attack?
''It was amazing. It's just........compared to Currier-san and Hibigami, the sensation of receiving the sword was a little, well, different--
Perhaps the reason for the discomfort is that my swordsmanship is a unique sword technique optimized for this single arm.

　Commander Sogut takes a stance.
　However, it doesn't seem to be a signal to resume.

"Compared to when I had my left arm, my swordsmanship has changed in terms of weight shift and center of gravity placement. "Compared to the time when I had my left arm," he said, "my swordsmanship has changed in terms of weight shifts and center of gravity, so my opponents can't get used to the subtle discomfort it causes when they're fighting, which often leads to awkward movements. And from a different perspective, this is an advantage.

　Commander Sogut continued.

''It's true that there are many inconvenient aspects with one arm. But even so, I found myself getting used to it. That's why I don't feel it's so inconvenient now. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of good reasons to go for it. It's because of this arm that I've been able to arrive at some of my sword skills.

　He touches the eye patch on his left eye.

'Individuality...'
For example, if you're in a fight, a reasonably well-versed opponent will try to hit you in your left blind spot. But on the other hand, it also increases the odds of limiting your opponent's actions.

　Turning a weakness in a fight into a strength, or

"You can't track them with your eyes, so you have to get in the habit of recognizing their presence. What? It's not so difficult to do. All you have to do is recognize the sound of your opponent's breathing, the sound of the ground rubbing, the movement of the air, and the signs of what they create. If you ask me, I've heard that those who have no eyesight have their other senses developed significantly. That's naturally one of their personalities and strengths.

　The Commander's words are not caged with sympathy or encouragement.
　He sincerely believed that.
　This man's words had weight.

''..........''

　Still, I think he's an amazing person.
　In the midst of our little sword fight earlier, the Commander naturally mixed in some movements to make me more aware of my blind spots.
　At the same time, he made me realize with my body that the dancer's sword was due to his unique weight shift and center of gravity.

　And above all, this man - gave me the confidence that I could be stronger.

　I opened my hand once and gripped the hilt of my sword again with strength.
　Every time I crossed swords with Commander Sogut, I felt as if my nerves were sharpening and sharpening.
　It's like being pulled up a notch or something.
　It's similar to the feeling you get when you're fighting with Currier-san when you're in good shape.
　Commonly known as the "Black Holy Juggernaut" - Sogut Sigismos.
　What I can get from this person is surely huge.
　I readjust my sword.

''It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander Sogut.

　After swinging his sword once with a huff, Commander Sogut also takes a battle stance.

''Ah ... come on, Sagara Kurohiko.




Hah, hah...!

　My whole body is covered in sweat.
　But a pleasant sense of fatigue.

"Hmm....

　Commander Sogut takes off his jacket.
　That black uniform is also said to be a summer uniform that is now airy, but even so, it must be hot as expected for long sleeves.

"As expected, Sagara Kurohiko.
''No.......compared to Commander Sogut's sword, it's not quite as good as his sword.
Well, that may be true if you're talking about swordplay alone. However, your sword has a "blank space" in it.
Margins?
You don't seem to know it yourself. You probably fight with a mixture of forbidden powers and swords when you're really fighting... no?
Oh, yes ... oh ...
The only thing you can do is to make sure that you have the right information. I'm sure you've made it unconsciously, but your sword has a blank space for you to release the forbidden spell. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　I look at my left arm.

"Yeah?

　Thinking back, it was no longer a matter of course around the time I fought a bunch of Blue Goblins before.
　The fight was a mixture of forbidden curses and swords.

"There's no need to correct me. That's exactly what your sword is. And the more you improve your sword skills, the more you will be able to use your forbidden spells.

　Huh, I exhaled.

　Amazing.
　Just by putting swords together, you could see that even I hadn't noticed.

''Thank you, Commander Sogut.
What do you mean? You're the one who saved the people of King's Landing. And besides I had to kill the Four Deadly Disasters. And as a result, I ended up forcing them on the remaining members of King's Landing.

　It was in the tone of regret that remained, but it didn't seem to be dragged out heavily.
　In his own way, the Commander must have decided to accept the result after various conflicts.

''Well--''

　After wiping the sweat off with an absorbent cloth, Commander Sogut turned his body around.

''Currier Versteen,''
Hmm?　Me, sir?
What are you going to do?
You must be tired.
What do you mean? I'm not old enough to know better.
..........

　Currier Versteen, vs. Sogut Sigismos.

　This is ... I think I'd like to see it.

'Okay,'

　Currier-san unwraps his arms and takes his training sword.

''Then I, too, would like to practice, please.
Sorry, Currier Versteyn.
?

　Commander Sogut snaps his head and takes a stance.

'Actually, I was hoping to have a little sword fight with you once.

　'Hmph,' sniffs Currier.

'I hope I can live up to your expectations, though.




　About ten minutes have passed since the two of them made the first sound of the blade.

'Huh ... just as I suspected, a horrible arm.

　Commander Sogut lowers his sword.
　Currier-san, who saw that as a signal for the end, brushes away the silver hair that was flattened on her cheek.

''That's a line over here, Commander Sogut.......I see, now I understand why Hibigami wanted to leave Kurohiko with you.
What the hell was that...?

　Instructor Isabella points her shaking fingertips at the two swordsmen facing each other.

''Outrageous, isn't it?''

　I've seen some amazing stuff.
　It was just enough offense and defense, but the quality of the content was overwhelming.
　At first, Currier-san's portion of the game looked somewhat bad, but in the second half, it looked like they had reeled it in.
　
　Anyway, it was a swordfight that took my breath away as I watched.

'I see........You make your opponent optimize their own fighting style while fighting, right? You have a formidable talent.
You must be very observant to have seen through it in such a short amount of time.
..........

　No, they're both great.




　Then we took a short break.
　And it was time for the intense battle lesson to end.

''Commander Sogut ... actually, I have something to discuss with you.

　I took a chance and asked for advice.

'What's up?'
Commander Sogut... do you have any skills?
Techniques?　Does that mean it's not the Holy Demon Sword's ability?
''Yes. Actually, of course I'll continue with the basics... but I'd like to have some kind of powerful one-hit kill technique besides the forbidden spell to fight Hibigami.

　Hmm," said Commander Sogut, stroking his beard in thought.

'You can't handle the holy elements. That's what the headmaster told me.
Yes, sir.

　When it comes to the so-called "special techniques", in this world we have an image of unique magic formulas, chanting spells and holy magic sword abilities.
　But those are impossible for me, who can't handle the holy element.
　Of course, the forbidden spell would be equivalent to the "special move", but I've always wanted to have another technique that is closer to this body.

　As a trump card in case the forbidden spell becomes unavailable.

　That's right, in the previous world, it's like that Sasaki Kojiro's "Secret Swallow Reprisal" for example--

Most of the swordsmen of the eastern provinces, known as swordsmen, are said to have skills worth killing for that are closer to their own flesh.
''The techniques used by the swordsmen of the Eastern Kingdom... are you familiar with them, Commander Sogut?
I have a personal interest in the swordsmanship used by the swordsmen of the eastern provinces. I have tried to learn them by myself while searching through documents and researching for a while. For example--

　Commander Sogut raised his blade and swung his sword.
　From there, he demonstrated a few techniques that he had mastered.

　Jinshin-ryu 《Ochirinagashi》.
　The Rigen Itto-ryu 《Overlapping Paper Crash》.
　The Aima School Assassination Secret Sword 《Headhunting Troupe》.
　The Bladed Cicada Style Profound Technique 《Randed Blade Red Rain》.

''Amazing.''

　After saying that all of them have been tossed around for me, though, Commander Sogut pulls his arm.

''And this--''

　Two thrusts.

　But the two thrusts seemed to be two thrusts that were made almost simultaneously.

I call this the Two Thrust. It is less powerful, but by applying this, I was able to shoot up to five thrusts.

　Will it feel like you're dealing with two swords?

It's good to create your own techniques, but it's also good to find out what other techniques are out there and, if you can, try to use them yourself. If you can, try to use it yourself. It may give you a chance to find a new technique. In fact, the original technique exists for the "Ni-Tsuki". In fact, the "Two Thrust" is a technique that specializes in the thrust, making it easier for me to use as a one-armed man. But because it specializes in thrusting, it took away the versatility of its attacks.

　Commander Sogut thrusts the ground with the tip of his sword and continues.

It's a simple principle, but that's why there are no gaps. If you're like Hibigami says, if your growth rate is unusual, you might want to try to master this technique first. I'm sure you'll be able to use that technique as a starting point to create new ones later on.

　Currier-san and Instructor Isabella also listened in.

The wielder of the technique was referred to by some as the legendary swordsman. And, besides, I've only understood the principle and I've never seen the real thing.
What exactly is that... what kind of skill is that?
The name of the technique...

　Commander Sogut announced the name of the technique.


''Shuanglong.''




A double dragon....

　After combat class, I finished dressing and grabbed the doorknob of the locker room, thinking about the technique Commander Sogut taught me.
　It seems to include the Commander's own interpretation of the technique, but I was taught the principles of the technique in a nutshell.

　A technique that adjusts speed and power to pseudo-attack simultaneously.

　Offensive and offensive.
　Offense and defense.
　Offense and Defense.
　Defense and Defense.

　It's a technique that allows you to use these four at will while constructing a fight.
　However, it would take a lot of training to be able to create the illusion of simultaneous attacks.
　It's not a skill that can be mastered in a short period of time.
　However, I love to train.
　It's a nice feeling to see the things I couldn't do improve day by day.

　Above all, the fact that the more you train yourself, the more powerful you become is appealing.
　
　If I can do that, it will surely be useful in the fight against Hibigami.
　I'll find some free time and try to practice the moves I was taught.

　I leave the changing room, deep in thought.

''Yes, it's worth a try--bomb!

　Buh-boom.

　I felt as if I were parting the ocean, and my cheeks brushed something off.
　It's a peculiarly soft touch against my cheeks and temples, which I can tell even through the fabric.......

''Oh my goodness, to suddenly jump into my chest.......you're quite bold, aren't you, unlike what you look like?''
..........

　I had an extremely unpleasant feeling - or is it already confirmed?
　As soon as I got out of the changing room with my head down and thinking, my face dived straight into someone's chest.......
　

''So sorry, I'm sorry--what--Muguu!

　I tried to hurry away, but to my surprise, I was prevented.
　He put his arm around the back of my head and somehow stopped me from letting him go.

'Hmmm, you seem to be firmly embarrassed, don't you?　I may not be as good as Cecily Arkwright or Currier Versteen, but I am improving myself as a woman in my own way, don't you think?

　...this voice.

Please let go... I don't want to hurt you.
'What?　You don't want to take advantage of this rare opportunity, do you?
We don't want that!
Oh, I see.

　I felt my arms relax and hurriedly kept my distance.

'This is the first time I've spoken to you in person like this, Sagara Kurohiko.

　With a flat face, she bent her knees slightly and lifted the edge of her skirt to greet him--

Dristos, Mr. Chairman.

　Dristos Kielcinha.
　Student body president of the school.

"Why is the student body president in front of the boys' locker room?
He's been waiting for you.
Me?

　Chairman Dristos's threadbare eyes opened slightly.

'I heard you fought Koudelka Ferraris the other day, didn't you?
Yes.
This is...

　Chairman Dristos swooshed and traced his own lips with his finger.
　Her mouth was smiling.
　But her eyes were filled with a challenging light.

'Don't you think it's a bit unfair if you don't fight me as well?
I don't think so.