"Sigh, I really dislike having ’Red and White Battles’ with Shiwei Hall. Competing in swordsmanship with them is utterly meaningless. Only Kondo, Chokata, Hijikata, and Inoue have strong skills; the others... heh."

"In front of such a crowd... if they lose just like they did in a competition six months ago, not even lasting a stick of incense... haha, that would be hilarious."

"I guess they never thought of winning from the start. I suspect they’re just using this opportunity to promote their Natural Reasoning Heart Stream. As long as they fight hard and exude the momentum of ’honor in defeat’, they can somewhat promote the Natural Reasoning Heart Stream."

"Possibly. I also think they probably never considered winning, just aiming to use this chance to promote the Natural Reasoning Heart Stream."

"Alright, enough talking, have you all eaten? It’s probably time to head back. Let’s go."

...

The speakers are six youths standing in front of a grilled squid stand.

These six youths... Aoto is quite familiar with them.

Just now, at the ’Main Array’ of Little Chiba Sword Dojo, Aoto saw these six. They are all contestants from Little Chiba Sword Dojo today.

They seem to want to take advantage of the pre-competition time to eat something at the grilled squid stand, replenishing their energy.

After enjoying the grilled squid thoroughly, they began discussing Shiwei Hall and the competition about to start.

Engrossed in the conversation, due to their positioning and perspective, they didn’t realize until they left in large strides —— their dialogue was overheard by Aoto and Chokata. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Ah, ah, haha. Though their words weren’t very pleasant, they weren’t wrong either."

Chokata turned his head, feigning nonchalance, and gave Aoto a sly smile.

"Currently, Shiwei Hall’s skills indeed are far inferior to Little Chiba Sword Dojo."

"They also guessed our intention for participating in the competition this time. Our participation is indeed to promote the Natural Reasoning Heart Stream, without ever hoping to defeat Little Chiba Sword Dojo with the main force missing."

"But it’s okay. Though today we can’t match Little Chiba Sword Dojo, one day Shiwei Hall will certainly grow strong."

"Look, now we have a reliable strength like Mr. Tachibana."

"Shiwei Hall’s skills are steadily rising."

"One day, everyone will regard Shiwei Hall with admiration."

Chokata, likely not wanting Aoto to worry, managed to smile despite feeling somewhat down.

"Alright, let’s go, Mr. Tachibana. If we don’t hurry back, Brother Kondo will certainly scold us."

With that, Chokata retracted his gaze and continued to stride towards the competition venue.

However... after walking a few steps, he realized —— Aoto was still standing where he was, not moving along with him...

Only to see him standing there expressionless, thoughtfully watching the direction where the six Little Chiba Sword Dojo participants had left.

"Mr. Tachibana?"

"... Mr. Chokata."

Aoto suddenly spoke.

"May I confirm: in every match between Shiwei Hall and Little Chiba Sword Dojo, Little Chiba Sword Dojo always sends both Mr. Shigetarou and Miss Sazanoko to confront you, right?"

"Hm?" Although unsure why Aoto brought this up suddenly, Chokata quickly nodded, "Yes, in every match, Little Chiba Sword Dojo consistently sends Mr. Shigetarou and Miss Sazanoko to hold me back, preventing me from supporting others."

After speaking, Chokata confidently smiled.

"After all, if they don’t send both Mr. Shigetarou and Miss Sazanoko to confront me, they have no other method to suppress me."

"... Mr. Chokata, could you help me with a small favor later?"

"A small favor? What favor?"

"Later, accompany me to request Brother Kondo to let me serve as the Grand General for Shiwei Hall in this match. With your support, the chances of convincing Brother Kondo would somewhat increase."

*******

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Another Chapter at 8000 words, seeking monthly votes! Seeking recommendation votes!

Tomorrow the author will try to write more, and attempt to finish the match within a Chapter...

Seeing how considerate the author is, please be sure to cast more monthly votes for this book! (Leopard Head Crying.jpg)