Volume 5 Chapter 31-2 Tenhou's Companions Prepare For The Martial Arts Tournament (Part I)
Ouka knows about that, having witnessed Tenhou's quiet conversation with the mysterious black horse, Sakugetsu.
Until now, the Golden Feather Syndicate has caused problems wherever Tenhou goes.
As if he is bound to him by some strange fate, a thread of destiny woven by the hands of the supernatural, pulling them into a web of danger and adventure.
Tenhou seems to be trying to put an end to that, his determination burning like a flame, fueled by years of training and a heart set on justice.
The fact that he continues to train even the day before the martial arts tournament is for that reason, pushing his body to the limit, honing his skills for the ultimate showdown.
"Then, please do it one more time. Shouou."
"No, let's stop here for today."
"...Huh?"
"Is that alright? Shuu-sensei."
Ouka told Gen Shuuyoku, who was watching the training with a keen eye, her presence both calming and commanding.
"There's also tomorrow to consider. I think it's better not to overdo the training. What do you think, Shuu-sensei?"
Ouka earnestly appealed to Gen Shuuyoku, her hands clasped together, her expression pleading, as if her own strength depended on her wisdom.
(It would be better to have Shuu-sensei stop him. If it's me, Tenhou will push through.)
Ouka is not good at stopping Tenhou when he acts recklessly, her heart always swaying between admiration and fear for her friend's fearless spirit.
That's because Ouka likes watching Tenhou work hard towards his goals, his every move a testament to his unwavering dedication.
Rather than stopping Tenhou, she ends up wanting to support him from the side, standing as his shield, his ally, his brother-in-arms.
If Tenhou is heading to a dangerous place, she will go to the same place, her sword drawn, her resolve unshakable.
She will take up a sword next to him and protect him, their blades moving in perfect harmony, a dance of loyalty and friendship.
──She ends up thinking that way, her mind made up, her heart set on Tenhou's safety above all else.
So, when she wants to stop Tenhou, she relies on her master, trusting her experience and wisdom to guide them both.
Ouka was thinking that way, her gaze fixed on Gen Shuuyoku, hoping she would intervene.
"That's right. Just as Kaou-kun said."
Gen Shuuyoku nodded easily at Ouka's suggestion, her hand raising to pat Tenhou's shoulder, a gesture of both comfort and command.
"It's not good to overdo it. You should rest your body to prepare for tomorrow's martial arts tournament."
"But Shuu-sensei, I feel like I can do the technique well if I just try a little more..."
"No, it's not good. Stopping a technique suddenly puts a lot of strain on the body."
Gen Shuuyoku took Tenhou's hand, her touch light yet probing, as she assessed his energy flow.
She placed her fingers on his wrist as if to check the flow of 'ki,' her eyes narrowing in concentration, sensing the imbalance within him.
"As expected, the flow of 'ki' is unstable. It's fortunate that Tenhou-kun possesses 'Divine Energy,' or else this could have been much worse... If an ordinary person tried to abruptly stop a technique, their body might become immobile for a while."
"Ordinary people cannot do this, can they?"
"Then, you're not thinking about using this to catch the enemy off guard, are you?"
"...No."
"Look into my eyes and try to say that."
"...Um."
"...This is Tenhou-kun's case, so even if I stop you, you probably won't listen."
Gen Shuuyoku gave a wry smile, her hand gently squeezing Tenhou's shoulder in silent encouragement.
"The sudden stop of the technique you demonstrated... the one that cancels out 'Five Divine Swordsmanship,' I'll call it 'Mushin.' You can only use 'Mushin' 3 times a day. Using it more than that would put too much strain on your body."
"I see..."
"It's not your intention to be unable to fight the main enemy because of that, right?"
"...Yes. I understand."
"I'm glad you understand. Now, let's talk about tomorrow."
Then, Gen Shuuyoku looked at Ouka, her gaze filled with trust and expectation.
"Kaou-kun will be guarding Mō Etsu-sama's daughter, right?"
"Yes. I'll be with the illegitimate child, Haku-sama."
Ouka bowed and answered, her movement graceful, her respect for her master evident.
"There seem to be many soldiers around Tan-sama, so I will be guarding Haku-sama."
"I will be by Yuuri-sama's side. The 3 of us will be in different locations, but... my senior disciple will also be at the venue. There shouldn't be any problems."
"Master Raikou will be overseeing the judgment, correct?"
It was Tenhou who asked, his eyes seeking reassurance.
"In that case, Master Raikou will be at the center of the venue."
"That's right. And with my senior disciple's walking technique, she can move from one end of the venue to the other in just a few seconds."
To ease Tenhou's anxiety, Gen Shuuyoku smiled, her presence a beacon of calm in the storm of uncertainty.
"In a way, my senior disciple will act as a reserve force, protecting the entire venue. Truly reassuring."
"Yes, indeed."
"Master Raikou would understand."
Ouka nodded, his gaze distant, his mind already strategizing.
Master Raikou will always come rushing with the 'Five Divine Steps' whenever needed, her speed legendary, her loyalty unquestioned.
Just that alone makes the anxiety disappear, replaced by a sense of security and unity.
Both Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku are present at the venue. Preparations for the enemy are complete, their combined strength a fortress against the coming storm.
But──
(I'm still worried about Tenhou...)
What if──Tenhou gets hurt somewhere beyond her reach? The mere thought sent a shiver down her spine, a cold dread settling in her chest.
Just thinking about it makes her body start trembling involuntarily, her hands clenching into fists, her breath coming in short gasps.
She feels like a cold wind has blown into her chest, freezing her resolve, clouding her thoughts.
(I need to take countermeasures. To protect Tenhou... and to fulfill his wish.)
Ouka made up her mind, her eyes narrowing in focus, her steps purposeful as she left the mansion.
After finishing her training, she left the mansion immediately, the setting sun casting long shadows behind her.
She then spoke to the calico cat waiting on the street, its green eyes gleaming with an intelligence that seemed almost human.
"I want to talk to Seirei-kun. Please help me arrange it. I wonder if she can understand my words? Um..."
Ouka continued her explanation, using gestures, her hands moving in frantic patterns, her hope hanging on the cat's response.
After repeating this several times──
"Meow"
The calico cat nodded as if it understood, and started running, its agile form disappearing into the twilight.
Then, one hour later, the sky now a deep indigo, Ouka stood at the designated meeting spot, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Ouka was set to meet Seirei.
Character Notes:
Saku - Sakura. Dream Demon (Succubus). Confident and tomboyish, Sakura is the team's underdog, lacking notable potential. Wields the family heirloom swords Ryūsō and Koga, dreaming of building her own legend. Lively with a love for her appearance, she takes pride in her style, guided by Lina, who ensures she presents herself properly for the future.
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