After successfully fighting off the trio, I looked back at my classmates who were quietly watching the battle.

I looked back at my classmates who had been quietly watching the battle and said, "That was awesome, Allen!

"How did you do that last invisible slash?　Tell me next time!

"No, don't you want to know about the first eight strikes?　It was too fast, I couldn't even see the swing of the sword!

Anyway, this guy is one hell of a swordsman!

He won without a scratch against the three of them. Congratulations!

　Congratulations!" The applause and praise poured in.

"Oh, ......, hi, .......

　I've never been greeted so warmly by a classmate before, so I slumped and bowed for now.

　And then.

"Good night, Allen!

"How did you do that last move, ......?

　"How did you do that last move, ?" Leah and Rose came running up to me.

"Thanks, Leah. Thank you, Leah. "By ...... last technique, do you mean Oborozuki?

　When I asked for confirmation, Rose shook her head repeatedly.

Oh, so no one other than Leah had ever seen it before?

　I then gave her a brief explanation of how Oborozuki works.

　Then I gave her a brief explanation of how Oborozuki works, which she listened to with great interest.

"Well, this is how Oborozuki works, it's an installed slash.　

"I see. ...... That was really interesting. Thanks.

　She smiled with a slightly refreshed expression.

"Hmm, but I still think that technique is unfair .......

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

　Perhaps she was remembering what happened yesterday when she was hit.

"Really?

　I think it's a flawed technique because it's easy to find out where the slash is placed just by looking at it a little bit, and it's hard to steal your opponent's eyes while you're in the middle of a fight to get it in. .......

　I'm sure you'll agree that this is a great idea.

　As the three of us were happily chatting.

"Ugh ......

"Yes, it's ......

"It worked .......

　The three men we had just defeated were now awake.

(You can move already? You've got a good body. ......)

　You're a student of the Thousand Blade Academy.
　I'm not sure what to make of this.

Um, ...... are you okay?

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　Then he glared at me and said

"......, I'm sorry.

　He grabbed my hand firmly and stood up, staggering a little.

　The other two managed to get up on their own, and the three of them stood in front of me together.

(......Oh, come on, I don't want any more fights.)

　I had a bad feeling about this, and was on the lookout to see what they were going to do.

"--I'm sorry. I hope you will forgive me for my rude remarks so far.

　He bowed his head deeply.

"...... What?

　The other two bowed down as well, as I stared at the unexpected situation.

"...... Our eyes were blind. Allen, you are the perfect representative for our company.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

　When the three of them sincerely apologized, I gladly forgave them.

Don't worry about it. I understand how you three feel, and I don't care about you anymore.

　Yeah.
　There was nothing strange about them objecting to my being chosen to participate in the Great Wu-Sei Festival in the first place - in fact, it was quite natural.

　I know that they have trained hard every day and faced their own swords seriously.

(I've heard that the classes at a prestigious swordsmanship academy are tough and hellish every day. ......)

　The three of them overcame this with tremendous effort and were finally admitted to the Senbi Academy. However, they were not selected to play in the Great Fifth Holy Festival, where they would show off their accomplishments in middle school. Instead, it was me, a self-styled swordsman who graduated from a third-rate academy whose name I've never even heard of.

(It's understandable that you would be angry. ......)

　It's rather strange that I'm not angry.

(But in terms of actual time spent training, I've been doing it far longer than you. ......)

　They may have wielded their swords to the death for three years.

　But I've been swinging my sword for billions of years, just as if I were a cripple.

　In terms of the number of times I have swung my sword and the amount of time I have swung it, I am confident that I have not lost.

　Then suddenly, the trio let out a loud sigh, "Woo.......

"If you lose not only in swordsmanship, but also in the size of your heart,......, you'll have no place to stand as a man,.......

Oh, no doubt. ......

Allen ......, if you don't mind, can we be friends in the future?

　They said, and held out their hands to me.

"Yeah, I'll take care of you from now on.

　I shook their hands firmly, and we exchanged a friendly handshake.

　I shook his hand firmly and gave him a friendly handshake. After the three of us had made up, Dr. Leia cleared her throat.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.



　She looked around at the students, and everyone in the room nodded their heads.

　But there was one thing that really bothered me, so I asked her.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　I don't think it's right to decide the representative of the school by the sole decision of Class A.

　The answer came from one of the three members of the group.

"Don't worry, Allen. All of us in Class A approve. The rest of us don't give a d*mn.

"Yeah, because the Senba Academy assigns classes in order of grade.

"All of Class A approves of Allen. No one can complain. I'm sure you'll be fine.

　I see. ...... So that's how it is.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I'm sure you'll understand.　I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

　The moment she made her announcement, the crowd broke into applause and cheers.

.

　Early in the morning of the next day.
　The next day, early in the morning, the boys of Class A gathered in the gymnasium to take the practical test.

The boys were dressed in white gym clothes and black gym shoes.

　The boys were wearing white gym clothes and black shorts.

　It's a little hard to wear such light clothes in the morning.

　As we boys were waiting for the girls to change, the door to the girls' locker room finally opened.

It's cold. ......

"My feet are still sooty. ......

Why do we have to do this exercise so early in the morning? ......

　The girls were complaining about it,......, but it was certainly cold.

　The girls wore white gym clothes with black bloomers underneath.

　Unlike boys, the area of cloth on the lower half of the body is unusually small, and the cool outside air stimulates the bare legs.

　It is said that the girls' gym uniform is always bloomers at the Five Schools, which respects tradition and formality.
　This is not well received by the female students, but there is no sign of any change because of the "tradition".

　As I was standing idly at the edge of the gym, a girl came running up to me.

"Oh, good morning, Allen.

Oh, good morning, Leah.

　She came all the way to the end of the gym. ...... What on earth could she be doing here?

　I waited for her to cut her tongue out and was silent for a bit.

I'm not sure about that .......

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

(...... No, "What do you think? I'm not sure what to say.

　It's a good idea to keep your eyes peeled.

(......Yeah, it's a normal gym uniform for all intents and purposes.)

　There's nothing special about it.
　It's the kind they sell at the store at Senbi Academy.

　If anything, it was hard not to be blinded by the large swell of her breasts that could be seen even through her gym clothes.

(But I know... or maybe it's more accurate to say that I was taught.

　One day, exactly one year ago, Paula said to me, "Listen, Allen.

[Okay, Allen?　Whenever a girl asks you for your opinion on something, like an outfit, an accessory, a hair clip, or whatever, you must affirm, "I like it! It's a bad idea to tell her what you think.

　It seems that it's a bad idea to tell her what you think about it as it is, and Paula said, "It's a man's job to affirm whatever it is anyway.

　Yes, this is exactly what I'm going through right now.

　So I smiled and replied as Paula had taught me.

"Yes, I think that's a good idea.

"Oh, really ......?　Yeah, hehehe. ......".

　She said in a small voice, "Thanks," and went back to the girls happily.

　...... Honestly, I have no idea what she was trying to do.

　But anyway, there is no doubt that my answer was correct, judging from Leah's happy reaction.

　That's Paula.

(Anyway, is Dr. Leia here yet? ......?)

　As I was rubbing my hands together and blowing into them to provide a little protection from the cold, one of the girls - Rose - came running up to me again.

"Hey, Allen.

What is it?

How about ...... for mine?

　She pinched the edges and ends of her white gym uniform with both hands.
　Apparently, she wanted the same thing as Leah.

"Yes, I think it's very nice.

　I said as softly as before.

"Yes, .......

　She blushed slightly, smiled a small smile of satisfaction, and went back to the girls.

(...... What the hell is this ritual?)

　( What the hell is this ritual?) As I tilted my head alone, I heard the high-pitched sound of a whistle. I heard a high-pitched whistle sound.

　I looked in the direction of the sound and saw Ms. Leia standing in the middle of the gym, dressed in a black suit as usual.

"Class 1-A, gather around!

　No matter how one listens, the teacher's natural voice is much louder than the sound of the whistle.

(That's definitely not necessary. ......)

　With that thought in mind, I ran over to Ms. Leia.

　When all the men and women had gathered in the center of the gym, she opened her mouth.

And then, when all the boys and girls had gathered in the middle of the gym, she spoke up, "Well, all you muddled-minded students who thought you didn't need a whistle, ......!　No, no, no, no, no!　It's all about the atmosphere!　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the best way to get the most out of this.



　Well, ......, I don't know what you're trying to say.

　At the Grand Academy of Swordsmanship, whistles were blaring all the time during basic physical education - swinging and running.

　But you are really a high-spirited person in the morning. .......

In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

First of all, the use of soul gear is prohibited. The purpose of this is to measure your proficiency in pure swordsmanship!　Secondly, all of the techniques of the schools will be available for use. Please show me the sword techniques you've honed!

　After she finished her explanation, she said.

After she finished her explanation, she said, "Now then, everyone, go to the gym and borrow an appropriate sword for your size!

　After giving the last instruction, she blew her whistle with a little joy. (That was probably the whistle.

(That's probably just because he likes to blow whistles. ......)

　(That's probably just because she likes to blow whistles. ) Ms. Leia is a bit childish in appearance.

　Then we went to the gym to look for a sword among the many swords available.
　We are not allowed to use our own swords in the practical exam.

　This is to avoid inequality among the students.
　For example, if I use a sword that is not sharp enough, and another sword that is very sharp.
　It is obvious which one will give you better results.

　It is against the purpose of the practical test to measure the proficiency of the swordsman that the result is influenced by the skill of the sword. Therefore, although it is a little troublesome, the academy rents swords for the practical test.

(...... Okay, this sword is fine.)

　I found a sword that was about the same size as the one I use every day, and went back to the gym.
　There were three other men in the gym.

　The two young men were probably assisting with the practical test, and the older man with the glasses was probably a measurer.

　After a while, when all the students had returned to borrow the swords, the teacher resumed his explanation.

As everyone already knew, the practical test consisted of Iai-kiri, Juhon-kiri, and Rengeki. Well, it's the same as the one we did in the middle school. Let's start with the Iai-kiri then. --Hey, start getting ready.

"Yes!

　At the request of Leia-sensei, the two young men quickly prepared a special base and set a bamboo of the appropriate length on it.

　When the test preparation was complete, Leia opened her mouth.

I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about, but just in case you don't, I'll give you a brief rundown. --First of all, the student stands in front of the bamboo set up here, with the sword still held. The student then draws the sword at any time and cuts the bamboo. The time taken from drawing the sword to cutting the bamboo will be the record for this test.

　The explanation was exactly the same as the one he had received at the middle school - the Grand Academy of Swordsmanship.

The explanation was exactly the same as the one I had received in the middle school at the Grand Academy of Swordsmanship. "And this time, the measurer here will measure everyone's records. He is a veteran of fifty years in this field. Please don't be rude.

　As soon as the teacher finished speaking, the good-looking measurer bowed.

　The measurer is an essential part of all the practical examinations at the elementary, middle, and high schools. They have only one duty: to measure the results of the exam accurately.

　In order to qualify as a measurer, you must have a minimum of 3.0 eyesight, reflexes of less than 0.2 seconds, and a difference of less than 0.01 seconds between the actual time and the time you feel. Because of this, there is a nationwide shortage of the number of these people, despite the high demand.

As a reference record, the average time of our first-year students is around 0.8 seconds every year. Well, just keep that in mind.

　Ms. Leia said and took out a notebook and pen from her breast pocket.
　She must be recording the results in there.

"So let's get started. Let's start with Leah-Vesteria!

Yes!

　When her name was called, she stood in front of the bamboo and closed her eyes quietly.

　A few seconds later, the gymnasium fell silent.

"Ha!

　There was a sharp flash and the bamboo in front of her was cut in half.

　All eyes were on the measurer.

"--0.5 seconds. Well done.

　Everyone around you buzzed with excitement at this amazing record, 0.3 seconds faster than the average for first-year students.

"Yes!

　She gave a happy gut-punch and returned to where she came from.

She returned to her original position.　All right, next up--Rose-Valencia!

"Yes.

　As she walked up to the bamboo, Rose suddenly dropped her center of gravity.

"Sakuraga Itto Ryu: Raiou!

　In the next instant, a flash of lightning flashed across his vision, splitting the bamboo in two.
　You can see how powerful it is from the fact that the entire bamboo is cracked in two.

"0.3 seconds. Excellent!

　The students around me were buzzing with excitement at the new record, which was 0.2 seconds faster than Leah's good record.

"...... I win.

"Geez, .......

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

　It seems that the two of them are surprisingly close.

I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"Yes.

　It's finally my turn.


　Stand in front of the bamboo on the pedestal and take a deep breath.

(Iai-kiri, or ......)

　I remember that my best time at the Grand Kenjutsu Gakuin was 1.2 seconds.
　I used to be the worst at it, but now, after a billion years of training, I think I'm good at it.

　At the moment when I was breathing and my mind had reached a state of nothingness, I pulled out my sword at once.

"Shh!

　It's the fastest blow I can make right now.

"Huh!

　Leia-sensei, who saw my Iai-kiri right beside me, shouted in admiration.
　I think I did a pretty good job with that blow.

　The result is .......


......


　...... What?

　For some reason, the measurer did not tell me the result.

"I'm sorry, how many seconds was that?

　I asked modestly.

"...... what?

　He looked at me with a startled expression.

"Well, no, I was wondering if you could tell me how many seconds the ...... record was. ......?

I'm also curious to know what the record was. I'm also curious to know what the record is. I'd appreciate it if you could tell me quickly and without rushing.

　Dr. Leia asked the same question I did.

　Then.

No, no, no, what are you two talking about?　He hasn't cut the bamboo yet, has he?

　The measurer tilted his head in confusion.

I've already finished cutting the bamboo. ......

"Yes, Allen is right.

　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace.

　At that moment, my classmates, who had been watching closely behind me, erupted.

"Oh my god, ......?

"I couldn't see you at all .......

When did you really pull it out ......?

　At the same time, the measurer peeled his eyes open and ran to the severed bamboo in a panic.

I'm not sure what to say.　I've been a measurer for fifty years and I missed a ...... Iai-kiri. ......?

　He was trembling as he repeatedly attached and detached the brightly cut bamboo, and then attached and detached it again.

　To the casual observer, he looked a little dangerous.

But this is a problem. ....... You can't see them when they're going that fast. ......

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

"Slowly? ......?

Yeah, please.

Ha, ha. ...... I understand. ......

　I never dreamed that I would be asked to "slow down" in a speed competition in Iai-kiri.

　At any rate, I stood in front of the newly set up bamboo again, and set my mind to moderation (・・・・).

　And then.

"Ha!

　With a deliberately low sheath, the blow cut through the bamboo much more slowly than before.

"--0.1 second. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

　It's the best record so far, and the classmates who were watching in the background went wild.

I'm not sure what to say.

"Still a long way to go .......

　I'm not sure why Leah is so proud, but Rose is a little depressed.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. Normally he should be under 0.1 seconds.

　After that, each of us took the test one by one, but in the end, there was no one who could beat my provisional record of 0.1 seconds.

　After that came the "Ten Body Slashing" test, in which we competed to see how quickly we could slash all ten scarecrows lined up vertically.

　As a result of me using the first sword, the Flying Shadow, I set a school record of two seconds.

　The next test was "Rengeki," a test to see how quickly you can hit the four most important points on a human body: the jaw, heart, liver, and midriff, using a human model.

　As a result of using Yatagarasu, a sword of eight, I finished the test in one second. This was also a school record, and Ms. Leia was very impressed.

　And so the long practical test finally came to an end.

All right, that's the end of the practical test for today. You've all done a great job. After this, the gym will be open all day. You may use it for swinging, mock fights, kata review, whatever you wish. And now--dismissed!

　With that, Leia-sensei left the gym.

(Phew ......, I'm a little tired.)

　It had been a while since I had taken a practical test, so I was strangely overwhelmed, not so much physically as mentally.

　As I was stretching out, a boy came up to me.
　It was one of the guys I had beaten yesterday - a Zantetsu-ryu user, I believe.

"Hey, Allen. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the best way to use it.

Yeah. What's wrong with that?

Well, you know, it's kind of ....... If you don't mind, can you teach me that technique?　I'll teach you Zantetsu Ryu instead!



"Uh, ...... no, bad ....... I'm not a good enough fencer to teach people how to sword fight.

　And when I tried to say no, he said softly.

I'm sure you'll do fine.　It doesn't have to be all of you!　Just a few tips!　Just a few tips! ......, please!

　He clasped his hands in front of him and begged.

He clasped his hands in front of him and begged, "Ummm .......

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to just casually refuse him when he asks me to do so much.

　In the first place, I am not hiding the art of the flying shadow.
　In fact, I'd like to see Tobikage improve and evolve as more and more people try to copy it.

...... Okay. But I'm not very good at teaching, so don't get your hopes up.

"Seriously?　Thank you, Allen!　I love you!

　And then, as if I hadn't been listening in on the conversation.

"Hey, wait a minute, there!　"Hey, wait a minute!

"Hey Allen, teach me some of your techniques!　I'll teach you the basics of the Shingeki-ryu instead!

I want to learn your techniques too, Allen!　I'll teach you the Suimei-ryu kata instead, okay?　Please!

　The other students leaned forward one by one.

Yes, of course.

　And so, as I graciously acceded to their wishes.

"Hey, hey, Allen!　That's not fair, you have to tell me too!

I'd love to.

　Leah and Rose, who were a little late to the party, took their places on either side of me.

　After that, we talked about sword fighting.

　In addition to the much-requested method of shooting the flying shadow, we talked about the essence of Zantetsu-ryu, the basics of Shingetsu-ryu, the Suimei-ryu kata, the secret technique for making Iai-kiri a little faster, and what we always think about when we swing.

(Yes, I've always wanted a time like this. ......)

　It's a great way to get to know each other and talk about your favorite sport. ......

　I've been wanting this for the past three years at the Grand Academy of Swordsmanship.

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you have. But now, it's in my hands. ......)

　When I was vaguely reminiscing about the past and chewing on this happiness I had finally found.

"...... Allen, are you crying?

　Leah looked into my face with concern.

　I noticed that she was right, there were tears in the corners of my eyes.
　I guess I got a little too sentimental.

I said, "Oh, ......, no, no. It's just a little dust in my eyes, don't worry about it.

　As I was rubbing my eyes in an exaggerated manner, one of the boys asked me a question, waving his sword in a messy manner.

"Hey, Allen!　"Hey, Allen! How do you make the slashes fly from here?

"Haha. In order to shoot a flying shadow, you must first know how to hold your sword.

　And so the happy time that I've been looking for since I was a little girl slowly passed.