Soon.
The second day of the knockout stage arrived—July 31st, the last day of July—under cloudy skies.
The chirping of cicadas—fervent passion—and the roars of the competitors echoed through the stadium.
Just moments ago—the quarter-finals had concluded.
The semi-finals were about to begin—with Sakurai-kun slated to be the vanguard—and there were a few minutes of rest in between.
Ohmonto Saburo and the club members discussed tactics by the side of the field: "Sakurai-kun—I actually suggest you be the final General. It's General against General—King against King. The opponent's General is stronger than Kojima. What if your stamina is depleted…"
As an instructor—he was well aware of the importance of the Tian Ji Horse Racing strategy and the exchange tactic.
"I don't think I'm weaker than him," Kojima said—unconvinced.
A year had passed—without a match—who knew the outcome?
A club member whispered: "How unlucky—running into Fukuoka's top team in the semi-finals. They were last year's champions."
"And that person hasn't graduated yet—Murakami Ryu—last year's Peerless in the West—undefeated throughout the Tamaryokki Championship."
Kojima swept his gaze over them with a terrifying look—roaring: "Demoralizing ourselves before the fight even begins—boosting the opponent's prestige! If anyone says another word—get out of the Kendo Club!!"
He finally displayed his authority as the club president.
Originally—with Sakurai Saki's inclusion—he was very confident about this Tamaryokki Championship. But facing the same opponent from last time in the semi-finals—the one who had severely eliminated Shuchiin Academy in the preliminaries—it was impossible for Kojima not to feel flustered.
Especially in such a dangerous situation—his own club members were spouting disheartening words.
Sakurai-kun then spoke: "I'll take down at least three people. The toughest one—I'm counting on you."
His gaze shifted to a black-haired boy with short hair not far away—surrounded by a crowd. He looked very slender—not like someone who practiced Kendo—but…
Above his head—a golden light shimmered—
[Dragon of Fukuoka: This is a dragon revealing its fangs. Please beware of its sharp claws.]
[Peerless in the West: A title bestowed only upon the strong.]
[Son of the Dragon: This individual possesses the bloodline of a dragon.]
[Transcendent Being: This individual has transcended mortal limitations.]
'Damn it! I knew it!'
How could a task that allowed him to break his limitations be so simple to complete?
Fortunately—his other Superpower today randomly assigned him the 'Title System'—which was the ability he encountered during the ball game tournament last time.
Otherwise—he might have crashed and burned!
'A transcendent being coming to play games with humans—aren't you too idle?'
Sakurai-kun grumbled inwardly.
He completely forgot that it was also strange for him—as a Superpower user—to fight with mortals.
As Sakurai-kun looked at Murakami Ryu—the latter also met his gaze.
Their eyes met—and then the other's expression changed—gradually becoming serious.
In an instant—
"Boom!!"
Outside the stadium—after a clap of thunder—the sound of raindrops hitting the ground began.
It was raining.
"Teacher—for this match—I'll be the vanguard," Murakami Ryu's voice was a little hoarse. He didn't speak often—and rarely made requests.
Instructor: "Alright."
The opposing school had won once last year. Although their personnel had changed slightly—their ace was still the same one—and even stronger than last year!
"Actually—I suggest you, Murakami—be the anchor. That would be safer."
"No—the one on the other side is very dangerous," Murakami Ryu said in a low voice.
The aura of that adult was on the opponent—that deep and dark aura. Murakami Ryu had only felt it once—but the memory was profound.
One must know… that person didn't like to get close to men—even his father had never seen her true face.
The plan set to begin in a few months might have variables.
'However—for this Kendo competition—for Megumi—I cannot lose.' Murakami Ryu looked towards the spectator stands.
There—his girlfriend was smiling at him.
For a Dragon to participate in an ordinary competition—there was naturally a reason.
The sky darkened—and raindrops continuously fell on the transparent glass roof of the venue.
Sakurai-kun put on his protective gear and glanced at his opponent—who was also moving towards the center of the arena.
Although he had already sensed the possibility—the opponent actually became the vanguard just like him.
'Last year—Kojima's loss wasn't unjustified.'
The opponent was not an ordinary person at all. Even without exerting extraordinary power—beating Kojima was like child's play.
Sakurai-kun stood at the starting point—assuming the Chudan-no-kamae stance.
Murakami Ryu did the same.
Inside the arena—it became quiet for a moment—with only the pattering sound of rain remaining.
Due to some lighting issues—the match had to wait a while.
"You—why did you come to participate in this kind of competition?" Murakami Ryu's hoarse voice came from behind his menpo.
He had just finished speaking—
Then he heard a voice from the spectator stands—
"Sakurai-kun!!!! Go for it!!!!!"
It was Nino—shouting particularly loudly.
"…It seems you are like me," Murakami Ryu said in a low voice: "You also fell in love with a human woman."
Sakurai-kun: "?"
Are you sick?
When did I get involved with Nino?
Sakurai-kun understood now. This Dragon had fallen in love with a human—so to please his girlfriend—he came to compete with ordinary people.
Speaking of cheating—this one today was even more significant! Yesterday's weighted bamboo sword was nothing!
"Human lifespans are far shorter than those of Yokai. Are you prepared to part with humans?" Murakami Ryu—as if he had found a kindred spirit—recounted his pain: "My father said that one should not form bonds with humans—it will only lead to sorrow."
Although Sakurai-kun had no relationship with Nino—he understood his feelings.
In the future—Hayasaka Ai might also no longer be young…
"It seems you are also mentally prepared." Murakami Ryu noticed he had fallen into deep thought.
'The ability to make someone immortal… I think I have it.' Sakurai-kun was thinking about this.
"What kind of Yokai are you?"
"…" Sakurai-kun didn't speak.
How dare you assume my race? I'm human! To be precise—I'm a Superpower user.
"Indeed—you have a connection with Algae Woman-sama—it's not for a small fry like me to inquire about." Murakami Ryu glanced at the lights gradually brightening not far away.
The two responsible referees also walked over.
"But!!!"
Murakami Ryu's aura suddenly surged—and all the stadium gates opened at the same moment!
"Whoosh!!!"
Everyone present felt a strong wind!
They covered their eyes—barely able to watch the situation inside the arena!
'This is—a Dragon?!' Everyone couldn't believe their eyes.
Before Sakurai-kun's eyes—a blue flood dragon appeared behind the opponent—its golden vertical pupils filled with fighting spirit.
"A Dragon will not easily admit defeat!! Nor will it yield!!"
"Come fight!!"
Wild winds swirled around him!
The rain outside the stadium intensified.