[39] "The Madness of Busujima Saeko"
As the member in the club whose kendo skills came closest to Saeko's, Vice President Fujita naturally held a deep admiration for his graceful president.
He had often daydreamed about confessing his feelings to her if he could surpass her in kendo.
However, after a year of dedicated effort, he realized that Saeko's kendo prowess seemed to have no limits.
While he was making progress, she continued to improve as well.
Now in his third year of high school, Fujita felt that his own advancement in swordsmanship had plateaued, while the one he held in high regard continued to push her boundaries.
Initially, Fujita believed that the gap between himself and the president hadn't widened too significantly.
However, his perspective shifted after witnessing Saeko and Hachiman's competition today.
It became apparent that she had been concealing her true strength all along.
In a brief span, the two of them exchanged hundreds of moves.
Considering Saeko's current formidable abilities, Fujita doubted he could endure even fifty moves against her.
These realizations brought a wry smile to Fujita Shuji's face.
At Hachiman side.
When observing Hachiman closely, it became apparent that despite their appearance of being evenly matched, he was actually at a disadvantage.
As Saeko's attacks grew increasingly ferocious, it became progressively challenging for him to parry them.
This situation underscored the advantages of specific kendo styles.
With the guidance of a kendo style, one's strength could be amplified, essentially turning one point of strength into three.
Unfortunately, individuals like Hachiman, who had not learned any specific style, were limited to simple slashing, feinting, and blocking maneuvers.
"Excellent, Hikigaya-kun, you're truly impressive. Next, I'll unveil the secret technique of our Busujima style, so be prepared!" Saeko's voice quivered slightly as she spoke.
Ever since she achieved a level of proficiency in kendo, there had been no one, except her father, who could engage in a spar that extended to hundreds of moves without being defeated.
Oh no!
Hachiman's heart trembled upon hearing her declaration.
Hachiman was already finding it challenging to barely block Saeko's ferocious attacks.
If she were to employ any secret techniques, he feared he would be defeated instantly.
"Busujima-senpai..."
Before he could utter any words to dissuade her, Saeko on the opposite side initiated her move.
"Busujima-ryu - Tora Kiba Giri"
With a slight tremor in her wrist, it appeared as though two wooden swords materialized simultaneously, attacking Hachiman with a ferocity reminiscent of a wolf baring its fangs.
"This is... the technique President Busujima used to secure the women's championship."
The veteran members of the Kendo club, observing the duel below, couldn't contain their astonishment upon witnessing this move.
They hadn't anticipated that this newcomer possessed such formidable skills to compel the president to employ this technique.
In response to their expressions of awe, Hachiman maintained his composure and skillfully drew a defensive circle in the air with the wooden sword in his right hand.
The result was a resounding block as Saeko's attack was once again thwarted.
Hachiman successfully blocked Saeko's attack, and he intended to interject, but Saeko had already initiated her next move.
"Busujima-ryu - Suiryu Hassha"
Her frenzied assault surged like rushing water, momentarily overwhelming Hachiman.
Yet, what concerned him even more was Saeko's current condition.
Her once serene Yamato Nadeshiko-like visage now bore a subtle distortion, with a hint of bloodlust and madness glinting in her eyes.
No, I'll definitely lose if this continues.
Seizing an opportunity, Hachiman skillfully opened his wooden sword and retreated a few meters, harnessing the force of the previous clash.
He intended to capitalize on this advantage to conclude the battle, but Saeko remained relentless.
She pressed forward, raising her wooden sword with both hands and delivering a powerful overhead slash aimed at his head.
With little choice, Hachiman swiftly raised his wooden sword horizontally to effectively block the strike.
*Snapped—*
The wooden swords clashed, producing a resounding sound even louder than before, a testament to Saeko's formidable strength.
In the midst of this standoff, Hachiman cried out, "Calm down, Busujima-senpai!"
Hearing his voice, Saeko on the opposite side was momentarily stunned.
The bloodlust and madness in her eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a hint of powerlessness and fear.
She took a few steps back, her face paling, and then she suddenly bowed deeply towards Hachiman.
"I'm truly sorry, Hikigaya-kun. It's been so long since I've faced an opponent who could match me. I lost control of myself; please forgive me."
After the intense sparring, her kendo uniform's originally loose neckline had shifted slightly, and her ample curves hung naturally in a way that brought a satisfied smile to Hachiman's face.
From his vantage point, he even noticed two bright red spots.
As a girl, Saeko was particularly sensitive to this matter, and she blushed while hastily adjusting her open collar upon sensing Hachiman's gaze.
Caught in the act, Hachiman awkwardly touched his nose and averted his eyes.
"It's alright. After all, it's been a while since you faced a worthy opponent, Busujima-senpai. It's natural for your emotions to get a bit out of control. Besides, I'm not injured, am I?"
Hachiman, ever the observant one, recognized the true nature of Saeko's personality as soon as she spoke.
But as he pointed out, a kendo enthusiast like Saeko, who had been holding back for so long, could understandably lose control when finally confronted with an evenly matched opponent.
Indeed, he had also received an apology just moments ago, hadn't he?
"Well, thank you, Hikigaya-kun, for being understanding. If we have the opportunity in the future, we can practice together more." Saeko straightened herself up, extending an inviting smile that clearly expressed her delight.
It was like experiencing a long-awaited rain after a drought.
"Of course, no problem. If you have the time in the future, Busujima-senpai is always welcome to spar with me," Hachiman replied with a smile, nodding in agreement.
Despite Saeko's earlier unusual state, Hachiman had genuinely enjoyed their recent bout, feeling a profound sense of exhilaration.
It was this genuine enjoyment that led him to accept Saeko's invitation without hesitation.
As the spectators watching the duel below erupted in applause, clearly deeming it a splendid contest, Katsura promptly approached Hachiman's side.
"Hikigaya-san, you're incredible! You managed to hold your own against the president!" The girl by Hachiman's side beamed with admiration, her eyes sparkling.
Hachiman, however, shook his head. "I'm not evenly matched with Busujima-senpai. If it had been a real fight just now, I would have lost."
It was true that in terms of physical strength and endurance, the current Hachiman surpassed Saeko, but when it came to kendo skills, he was clearly outmatched.
"That's quite impressive. I've heard from the senior members in the club that it's been quite some time since anyone has been able to spar with President Busujima like this."
"Indeed, Hikigaya-kun, ever since the president won the Inter-High Kendo championship, no one has been able to match her. In terms of kendo, you're already stronger than anyone else in the club."
At that moment, a voice chimed in, reaching the ears of the two.
It was none other than Shuji Fujita, the vice president of the Kendo Club!
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Chapter 40: Busy Saturday
Chapter 41: Aiming for Ten Million