Yusei looked at Utaha, seemingly considering her words. A smile played on Utaha's lips, a little devilish thought in her heart as she teased him.
However, Yusei replied very simply, "But you don't know Kendo."
The smile on Utaha's face stiffened, and she promptly rolled her eyes at him, "You really have no sense of fun."
"So I should just let you tease me for amusement?" Yusei responded, spreading his hands helplessly.
"That's not entirely out of the question, is it? I came with you to your challenge, and with my aura of victory supporting you, you won. Can't you let me have a little fun?" Utaha looked at Yusei with a feigned pitiful expression.
Yusei wasn't fooled by her acting and changed the subject to practical matters, "What do I need to do now after winning? Do I have to wait here the whole time?"
"Not necessarily. There's a mailbox at the entrance, right? The department handling the Kendo event will check it once a day, then call you to arrange accepting challengers," Utaha explained to Yusei in detail.
"Let's go report to the Kendo Club first, to let them know Okita Souji was defeated."
"Right."
Yusei and Utaha prepared to leave the dojo together to find the Kendo Club's staff member responsible.
However, before they had walked far, Souji came back in, her face still slightly red, though she seemed much better.
"I've already reported it. The current title holder for Kendo is now Yusei-kun."
"Thank you, that saves me the trouble," Yusei said gratefully.
"It's fine. Your sword skills are far above mine, but I won't give up. I will work hard to catch up to you," Souji said, looking seriously at Yusei.
"Catch up to me? I think you'd be better off setting your sights on Kaguya," Yusei suggested.
Souji opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent. It was just as Yusei said.
Having motivation was good, but the gap was simply too vast, making any pursuit seem futile.
Yet, after a moment of silence, Souji looked at Yusei with renewed determination, "I will work hard."
Looking at this girl who bore some resemblance to a certain King of Knights from his memories, Yusei thought for a moment, then reached out and gently tapped her forehead.
The sudden action surprised everyone present.
Ignoring Utaha's strange look, Yusei asked, "Are you sure you want to follow my path in swordsmanship?"
"Of course. I want to surpass you," Souji stated firmly.
"Catching me is impossible, but I can help you," Yusei said with a slight smile. This was one aspect of his Divine Authority. As the God of Swords, he not only possessed divine prowess himself but could also grant sword blessings to humans who held faith in him.
Similar to a blessing from a goddess, it was an application of his specific divine prerogative. Yusei held authority over Swords and Archery, so he could naturally grant such protections.
The prerequisite was that the recipient must have faith in his sword ability.
Yusei's question about following his path was essentially a divine inquiry. Her agreement allowed the blessing to be bestowed. A refusal would have made it impossible.
After the tap, Souji felt a strange sensation flow through her entire body.
It was as if she had become much clearer and more refreshed.
Seeing her dazed look, Yusei pointed to the bamboo sword in her hand, "Try swinging it."
Puzzled, but obedient, Souji swung the sword forcefully to the side.
A crimson sword aura shot out, cutting into the dojo floor. While not immensely powerful, it was unmistakably a sword aura, something only possible in Sword Intent Mode.
Souji's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't believe she had casually released a sword aura, and not even with the Rengoku Ken, but with a simple bamboo sword.
"What happened?" She felt not only her sword handling but also her comprehension had improved significantly. Many previous doubts and confusions about swordsmanship suddenly became much clearer.
"It's a good thing. You'll progress faster in your swordsmanship from now on," Yusei said, not mentioning Divine Authority, as it was too fantastical. A little mystery was better.
Souji wasn't one to interrogate for details. She was happy about the change and grateful to Yusei, but it also solidified her resolve to follow his path.
"Thank you, Yusei-kun," Souji said formally, her samurai upbringing making her surprisingly conservative and rigid in some ways.
"Cough!"
Souji suddenly coughed, her face still flushed, though it seemed like a simple throat irritation.
Yusei didn't pay it much mind. Looking at her, he offered a reminder, "Although your sword comprehension has improved, you've probably noticed you feel subconsciously well-disposed towards me. A swordsman's perception is sharp."
"Yes. Yusei-kun feels much closer now. I can't muster any hostility. Even if you directed killing intent at me, I might not perceive it accurately. It could be a major interference in combat," Souji admitted.
"Haha, don't worry. There's no situation between us requiring killing intent. This won't affect your fights with others. It might even enhance your combat ability," Yusei laughed.
The 'drawback' of the Sword God's Blessing was the inability to feel hostility towards Yusei or actively seek to harm him, essentially accepting the role of a 'devotee'.
Yusei and Utaha left. After completing the necessary reporting for being the provisional first place, he planned to check his other events, as he had signed up for four. Utaha also returned to the Literature Club for her own work.
Unbeknownst to Yusei, shortly after he left, Souji, while contemplating her new-found understanding, suddenly felt a tightness in her chest and began coughing incessantly.