Volume 5 Chapter 25-2 The Great Villain of the World, Heading to Investigate Kiryou's Town (Part VII)
So... maybe that person has nothing to do with the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
After all, there's no reason for any buddies from the Golden Feather Syndicate to root for the martial arts tournament.
That whole thing's just to crush all the rumors, anyway.
And, if this "former master" Rotaimei mentioned in the game actually means Mō Etsu...
then even after ten years, Rotaimei's still moving for Mō Etsu's sake.
If that's true... then Rotaimei's 100% on Mō Etsu's side.
They might not even be an enemy to us, either.
"So, about the folks we're sending to the martial arts tournament from our side..."
Yuuri-sama paused, looking like they were mulling it over,
"If possible, I'd like to ask for Kou Tenhou-sama to join us."
"Me? You want me to go?"
"Yes. If both you, Kou Tenhou-sama, and Sui Kaou-sama are there, you'll be able to coordinate with Raikou-sama."
Sounded like a solid plan.
Master Raikou would be a judge, and Shuu-sensei and Touri would handle guard duty for Yuuri-sama.
So, only Shouou and I could actually jump in and fight.
"You don't have to win the tournament. Just showing up as competitors──honestly, that's plenty."
"You want us there to collect intel on the fighters──and to step in if things get wild, right?"
"Exactly."
After saying that much, Yuuri-sama flashed a mischievous little smile.
"Of course, I'm well aware, Kou Tenhou-sama, that you're not the type who's into martial arts tournaments or anything like that... Nor are you the sort to show up just to look cool."
"......"
"I'm quite aware, yes, believe me──I *know* all about it."
"Yuuri-sama..."
"Yes? What is it?"
"I heard that, back with His Highness the King's younger brother, you've met all sorts of talented people up close."
"That's right──just as you say."
"...Thought so."
"That's why, you see, I get it! Like, how Kou Tenhou-sama totally loves martial arts tourneys, or because it looks super cool and all that..."
"Okay, okay, I get it already."
"Hehe. My apologies, truly."
Yuuri-sama pulled her sleeve up and hid her mouth, almost like she was trying not to laugh.
Behind her, Touri looked like he was fighting back a grin too.
...For real, it's not like I actually love these martial arts tournaments or think they're cool or whatever.
But, y'know...
Maybe Yuuri-sama, who's seen all kinds of people, just knows stuff about me I haven't even noticed myself.
Am I really gonna enter this martial arts tournament...?
Get up close, watch a bunch of people fight, spar with total strangers...
And, win or lose, it actually doesn't matter, huh.
...Yeah.
That's fine.
Guess I'll just go for it.
Wasn't like saying no was ever an option, anyway.
If I join up as a fighter, whenever that Golden Feather Syndicate shows up, I can handle them on the spot.
Works out for me too.
"Understood."
I pressed my hands together in front of me──Kyōshu style.
"This is Kou Tenhou. I'll be participating in the martial arts tournament."
"Thank you very much, Kou Tenhou-sama."
Yuuri-sama nodded, satisfied.
"You've earned a favor from me. On my father's name, I swear I'll pay you back."
"Then... may I ask a favor of you as well?"
"What is it?"
"I'd like to borrow your skill for seeing right through people, Yuuri-sama."
I kept my head bowed and said it straight.
"That Rotaimei-sama who came as an envoy... what kind of person did you think he was?"
"Honestly, I thought he seemed sincere."
Yuuri-sama answered right away, no hesitation.
"I watched how he acted with everyone he met, polite and not putting on any airs. And this is just my gut feeling, but... he struck me as someone who doesn't lie."
"Thank you."
"I haven't met them in person... but from what I've heard, they sound like an interesting character." They're known as 'The Impossible' and travel the world. They even ask to be called 'Rotaimei-sama'.
They spread that nickname themselves!?
No wonder it's such a weird nickname....
"Kou Tenhou-sama, are you interested in Rotaimei-sama?"
"Yes. I'm curious about the kind of martial artist Mō Etsu-sama is fostering."
I answered Yuuri-sama's question.
"Also, if they're a martial artist, they might be in charge of security at the martial arts tournament. That way, I'll be close to Master Raikou, the judge, and the participants."
"Ah, I see."
"Thank you for your time."
I bowed to Yuuri-sama.
"Yuuri-sama, I will return to Shuu-sensei. I will also inform Kaou-shikei about the martial arts tournament. And──actually, I have a favor to ask."
"Yes, please go ahead."
"Could you tell me if there's a place nearby, not too noticeable, but spacious enough?"
"I'll have my subordinates look into it. But what for?"
"I want to train in martial arts before the tournament."
That's what I said.
"There might be some powerful martial artists at the tournament. So, I want to train beforehand and be fully prepared."
And so, I decided to participate in the martial arts tournament──
and to train in martial arts in preparation for it.
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