The porcelain bowl being shattered means "fallen in battle" or out of the game.

To his surprise, he became the first person whose porcelain bowl was shattered—Chiba Shigetarou stood dumbfounded for a moment, then with a sigh of frustration, he picked up his bamboo sword and walked off the field.

When Aoto and Chokata charged out of the "Main Array," launching an attack on the "Main Array" of the Little Chiba Sword Dojo with their combined strength, the spectators’ exclamations never ceased.

The intense clash between Aoto, Chokata, and the Chiba Siblings, along with Chiba Shigetarou’s porcelain bowl being shattered by Aoto and Chokata’s skillful teamwork, becoming the first person to be out, elevated the atmosphere to a new climax.

The only opponent blocking Aoto and Chokata’s way is Sazanoko.

This was the first time Aoto encountered a master using Small Tachi Technique.

The Small Tachi is shorter in length, making it far more agile to wield compared to a Tachi.

Sazanoko gripped her Small Tachi tightly, thrusting, smashing down, slashing, lifting, withdrawing, blocking... Her sword speed was so fast Aoto couldn’t help but click his tongue repeatedly.

Even without her brother’s assistance, having to fight alone, Sazanoko showed no signs of hesitation, bravely exchanging attacks and defenses with Aoto and Chokata.

Perhaps due to the exquisite Swordsmanship Techniques she executed, or perhaps just because of her beauty, excellent form, and graceful manner, all of Sazanoko’s moves had a unique aesthetic.

At this moment, she didn’t resemble a female swordsman attacking with swordsmanship; she seemed more like a beautiful butterfly gracefully dancing, her long ponytail flying as she moved.

Some in the audience weren’t there for the swordsmanship competition at all, they came just to see Sazanoko, and now they watched with wide eyes, captivated by the beautiful "dance" she performed.

Quite a few people were now disappointed—Sazanoko must have been wearing a cloth band to keep steady, so the hopping scene some had been hoping for wasn’t happening.

Sazanoko, indeed, won permission for all teachings of Beichen One-Sword Style Small Sword Technique at age 10 and was heralded as a "Genius Female Swordsman."

The short and agile Small Tachi is more suitable for defense than a Tachi, so Sazanoko withstood the combined assault in a disadvantaged position, blocking Aoto and Chokata’s attacks, even managed to launch several counterattacks threatening to them.

Yet... that was the limit of what she could do.

Sazanoko is a swordsman of the "Agile Stream," and Chokata is also of the "Agile Stream."

Holding a Tachi, Chokata swung out his sword with speed surpassing that of Sazanoko using the Small Tachi!

"Haah!"

Chokata yelled loudly, slightly lowering his waist, and aiming for Sazanoko’s Small Tachi blade, he slashed horizontally.

The sharpness contained in this strike was definitely not to be underestimated.

Sazanoko dared not meet Chokata’s strike head-on, retreating backward. But Chokata’s offensive didn’t stop, quickly following up with a second and third strike, forcing Sazanoko to retreat further, avoiding the edge.

Chokata’s attack, like a storm of rain, poured down fiercely towards Sazanoko.

Unable to fend off Chokata’s fierce attack, Sazanoko was thoroughly suppressed, finding it increasingly difficult to launch effective counterattacks against Aoto and Chokata.

Aoto thought: Today might be the first time he saw Kondo and Chokata exerting their full strength.

Ever since moving into Shiwei Hall, Aoto found practicing swordsmanship much more convenient. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Not only could he use the spacious dojo anytime, but also spar with Kondo and Chokata who lived under the same roof.

Having gained such excellent sword practice conditions, Aoto frequently sparred with Kondo and Chokata, almost daily engaging in several matches with them.

The outcome of every sparring session with them was consistently the same—being overwhelmingly beaten.

Even with the "Lone Brave," Aoto never forced out Kondo and Chokata’s full strength.

But now, Aoto finally witnessed what Kondo and Chokata look like going all out.

Watching Chokata’s tense face, swinging one sword with the effect of seven or eight, Aoto couldn’t help but ask himself: If he were to swap places with Sazanoko, what would the result be?

He feared he wouldn’t last even a few seconds before losing.

Chokata’s skill far exceeds Sazanoko’s, Sazanoko unable to win against Chokata in a one-on-one, while having to reinforce against his fierce attack head-on, and still manage Aoto’s support to him...

The outcome is predictable.

Sazanoko, attacked from both sides by Aoto and Chokata, was increasingly overwhelmed, showing signs of defeat.

No good! If this continues, I’ll lose!

Sazanoko, aware that continuing like this meant inevitable defeat, took a chance and glanced at the struggling Yamanaka and others still entangled with Kondo.

Aoto and Chokata’s charge turned the originally defending Shiwei Hall into the attacking side, plunging the Little Chiba Sword Dojo into the crisis of the "Main Array being breached," boosting the already high morale and enthusiasm of Kondo and others.

Kondo and his group engaged in a "sacrifice without regard for life and death" momentum, desperately tangling Yamanaka’s side.

Heaven knows when Yamanaka and his side could break free from Kondo’s entanglement, rushing to aid the struggling Sazanoko.