Ichijou Rikou Wants to Win

Footwork is a part of kendo. Only after mastering footwork can one be considered a beginner.

Amano Sora raised his wooden sword, stepping with unusual footwork.

[Look, like this.]

He demonstrated while signaling to those around him. However, for some reason, everyone’s attention fell on Ichijou Rikou.

Still the same as before?

[Rikou, do you want to spar with me?]

Amano smiled gently, though there wasn’t much kindness in it.

[The club president has been inviting Ichijou to spar recently.]

People around began whispering.

[Maybe because he’s a beginner?]

[Idiot. Precisely because he’s a beginner, he shouldn’t spar with the president. He wouldn’t learn anything like that.]

[—Could it be intentional?]

[Intentional? What reason would there be?]

[—Could it be—]

Their gazes turned toward me.

Just like them, their thoughts landed on me.

The president had confessed to her passionately—but she didn’t accept immediately.

[I think the worst part is that since she didn’t agree right away, she should’ve rejected him outright instead of stringing him along.]

[And she’s also getting close to Ichijou.]

In short, there was some resentment.

Compared to Amano Sora, whom they had known for a long time, Dong Yeyue felt too distant. No matter how perfect she appeared, she couldn’t compare to their president in their eyes.

This… isn’t really part of the “act,” is it?

Still, they’re not wrong. Most of this situation is my fault.

[Dong…]

He spoke softly.

[It’s not all your fault.]

So I’m being underestimated again? You think I’ll react like before, Ichijou?

[Didn’t I say before—we’ll face it together.]

I replied quietly.

[So, Rikou?]

The silence didn’t last long. Amano was already pressing for an answer.

[President! How about sparring with me instead!]

Uenozuki stood up and shouted loudly.

Of course, I wouldn’t fall behind.

[Sora-senpai, maybe this time you don’t need to train with Ichijou.]

My voice was gentle—if he were truly swayed by me, he should listen obediently.

[Rikou, are you really going to hide behind a girl?]

Those were harsh words.

Most men would find it hard to endure and would respond aggressively.

But for the old me… that kind of pride had already long died.

As for Ichijou Rikou—

[Let’s try it. I should learn something from Sora-senpai anyway.]

He seemed unaffected, calm on the surface.

Maybe he was provoked slightly—but didn’t show it.

In fact, he even looked a bit excited.

So my earlier attempt did affect him after all.

Either way, he agreed and put on his protective gear.

This time… he’d probably still lose badly.

Even though I have some inexplicable faith in him, reality can’t be ignored.

The match didn’t last long. Amano Sora made the first move.

His speed was clearly faster than before.

Even focusing hard, I could only see an afterimage—

And Ichijou adjusted his footwork, turning his wooden sword.

In the blink of an eye, they returned to a standoff.

Was that just blocked?

[Ha—!]

Amano shouted and attacked again.

This time, instead of a straightforward downward strike, he spun and slashed diagonally at a tricky angle.

I barely reacted in time to see it.

[Wrist!]

[Block.]

[Head!]

[Block.]

[Body—]

A series of calls ended abruptly.

Amano’s wooden sword struck horizontally against Ichijou’s left torso armor.

Within just a few exchanges, it was impossible to follow their techniques.

The only thing clear was that Ichijou had lost—again.

Though this time, he lasted the longest.

As expected—

He really does have talent for kendo.

I narrowed my eyes slightly, smiling faintly.

Well… if I’m being honest, I’m very happy for him.

[Rikou—]

Amano paused, removing his helmet. His face was flushed from exertion—and there was a hint of surprise.

[You’ve improved a lot.]

That’s thanks to your guidance, Sora-senpai.

Ichijou removed his helmet too, catching his breath.

It clearly wasn’t easy for him to block those strikes.

[Looks like I won’t need to guide you anymore.]

Amano smiled—but didn’t seem particularly happy.

If I don’t get serious, I’ll be looked down on.

He put his helmet back on and changed his grip. The tip of his sword lowered.

[Let’s go again, Ichijou Rikou.]

Even his tone had changed—and his presence grew heavier.

Even I, who barely understood kendo, felt the pressure.

Ichijou also became serious, putting his helmet back on.

[Please teach me, Sora-senpai.]

His amber eyes shone with determination.

[Throat!]

President, what was that?!

I’ve never seen that move—so fast! No, it’s strange—it shouldn’t even be blockable!

Amazing! Can we learn that move?!

Amid the praise, Amano Sora even looked a bit proud, glancing toward me.

At this moment, I should smile and match his excitement.

That’s what “Yeyue” would do.

But instead, I looked toward Ichijou—worried.

He stood still, completely frozen.

Ichijou—

I couldn’t stay seated and walked over to him.

He removed his helmet, looking dazed.

Honestly… it was a bit funny.

Like someone who had been completely stunned.

I let out a small laugh.

It’s getting late, Sora-senpai. We’ll be leaving now.

I bowed and left together with Uenozuki.

That’s true.

Amano patted Ichijou.

You okay, Rikou?

I’m fine. Thank you for holding back, Sora-senpai.

Polite words.

Then we left.

Rikou, what are you thinking about?

On the way back, he was still deep in thought, making Uenozuki tug at his arm in dissatisfaction.

Still affected by that strike?

I’m thinking about what just happened.

Just as I expected.

The president is really strong. You’ve only been training for a short time—losing is normal.

Uenozuki spoke matter-of-factly.

But being able to block those strikes is already amazing. You’re better than most people in the club.

Maybe even I can’t beat you now.

You’re exaggerating.

Ichijou shook his head.

What I’m thinking about is… how to break that strike.

His voice was filled with confusion.

I couldn’t even sense its trajectory, let alone respond to it.

Yeah, it was strange. Even watching from the side, it didn’t seem blockable. I didn’t expect the president to have such a move hidden.

They were discussing things I couldn’t really join in on.

We’re listening to the same “song,” yet I can’t add anything.

Still…

There was something I could say.

Sora-senpai once said his family practices a traditional style called Risshin-ryu.

Could it be related to that?

Ah, so the president has been learning kendo since childhood?

And it’s a classical style… no wonder he’s so strong.

This revelation sparked interest like breaking news.

By the way, Xiaoyue, what style do you practice?

We don’t have styles—we practice modern kendo. That’s why we’re so surprised by classical techniques.

Uenozuki shook her head.

Of course, it’s not that classical styles are stronger than modern kendo. Modern kendo has evolved through many improvements.

But…

Classical styles may contain hidden techniques that aren’t easily revealed.

They were created for real combat—many aimed for a single killing strike.

Some moves are simply hard to counter.

So defeating Sora-senpai is almost impossible?

—So Rikou really wants to beat the president!

Uenozuki pointed at him.

Was I that obvious?

At some point, he had made up his mind.

You never refused his challenges—and you’ve already seen through some of his techniques.

You’ve adapted to his style. That’s why he used that move.

In terms of kendo insight, ten of me wouldn’t match one Uenozuki.

So—

Ichijou, you want to defeat Sora-senpai?

I looked at him in surprise.

Yes… I do want to defeat him.

But also—to help him.

Help?

Sora-senpai is trapped in something.

Only by defeating him… can he be freed.

—Now you’re trying to “save” even the president?

Eh?

You’re always like this. When you see someone struggling, you want to help.

At this rate—

Uenozuki grabbed his arm tightly.

You’ll be taken away!

She shouted, full of resistance.

It’s not that serious…

He tried to calm her.

I watched the scene, narrowing my eyes with a smile.

She’s right.

He really is easy to be taken away.

Sora-senpai is obsessed with perfection. If that perfection is broken—

—that’s the reason to defeat him.

Only then will he give up on Dong Yeyue.

Though… it sounds difficult.

—In that case, I’ll help you find a kendo coach.

Eh? You know someone?

My neighbor—Uncle Fujimiya—is one.