bdsm-fiction Chapter 53: The Protagonists Talent #2
Chapter 53: The Protagonists Talent #2
Chapter 53: The Protagonists Talent #2
The ties of the armor should be tightened like this. But honestly, its a relief that the Director said it was okay.
Chinami said while assisting me in wearing the hogu.
Looking at her, I spoke with a serious tone.
Thats true. But, Sensei.
Yes?
You were amazing.
Upon hearing this, an arc was drawn in Chinamis eyes.
I didnt score any points. Renka is indeed an excellent Kendoka[^1].
To my eyes, Sensei seemed more exceptional.
Thats an exaggeration. Did hubae-nim take anything away from it?
There was something.
When others were matched up with Renka, it ended too quickly, leaving no room to observe or learn. But, in the match between Renka and Chinami, somehow their offense and defense - their movements - were somewhat visible, as if I received a protagonists buff.
I couldnt see everything, but I thought I could hit Renka at least once.
Of course. But what is janshim? Earlier, the seniors were saying that janshim is important.
Oh... well...
While helping with the armor, Chinami began to explain how scoring works in Kendo.
Effective strike zones, janshim, kigentaiichi... All these things must harmonize to score in a match, she said.
I understood, but honestly, it was complicated.
It wasnt something that could all be learned while putting on hogu.
Chinami also seemed to think along the same lines, adding a very simple explanation.
When assessed with a real sword, if you can neutralize your opponent with a single, precise attack, thats a point. A more detailed explanation is needed, but for now, this much will do.
Understood.
Try clashing with her. Renka is really strong, making scoring difficult, so just freely try whatever you want to do.
Its not difficult; I think its impossible.
Nonetheless, Im thankful to Chinami for being considerate and softening her words.
Looking down at her, I smiled mischievously and said,
I will avenge Sensei.
Pfft!
She burst into laughter while wrapping a head towel around my head.
It wasnt derisive laughter, but it seemed devoid of expectation.
After fitting the mask and tying the head strap, she patted my back.
Now youre all set. Once Miura hubae-nims match ends, put on the Hwan, the protective equipment for head over there, and go to the stage. Feel free to give your all. No one is going to say anything.
Yes.
Encouraged by Chinami, I stood up and looked in the mirror.
Aside from appearing a bit plump around the waist, it seemed to suit me quite well.
When I glanced towards the arena,
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Tetsuya, unleashing a spirited kihap, was charging at Renka.
And Renka was silently defending against Tetsuyas unpolished but spirited attacks quite well.
Things were going as I knew they would, but...
I will snatch away this event and turn it into a new scene.
My first move must be bold. If not, there will be no chance for me to score a point.
While igniting determination within me, shinai in hand, I
Whoa...! Matsuda! It suits you..?
approached the seniors quietly chatting in the corner of the arena and lowered my stature sharply.
And then, after sneakily glancing at Goro, who was focused on the match, I quipped in a small voice, barely audible enough for Renka,
Thunder breathing...
***
Thunder breathing...
-Flinch
Renka, who had been defending against Miuras attacks, jerked slightly at the faint voice that carried over from a distance.
It was because she heard the name of a technique used by her favorite character from an anime she had been recently watching.
Who is that?
Swish-!
Renka, who parried Miuras clumsy attack, glanced toward the source of the voice while Miura was catching his breath.
Did Chinami possibly tell him to use this stance in the match?
However, a quick glance at Chinami revealed not just surprise, but near horror on her face.
So, that meant she hadnt instructed him to do so.
What the...!
Renka, suppressing her eyes, quietly ground her teeth.
She intended to toy with him just enough, but now, it seemed she would just have to outright disgrace him - To show him how shabby Sangdanse can be when the basics are not in place, and make his approach to Kendo sincere.
Renka, considering how to change Matsuda, took her stance when,
Hmm...?
She was quite surprised, as Matsuda, adopting the Sangdanse stance, seemed quite formidable.
He wasnt mountain-like, but his energy was intensely fierce.
Enough to feel well suited to Sangdanse practitioners.
Even the gaze visible between the slats of his Howan was incredibly serious.
He was confronting even the sharp energy she exuded head-on.
His spirit was impressive. It was like looking at a tiger.
Renka, nearly losing her breath for a moment, quickly regained her composure.
Although he exuded an unexpectedly good aura, that was it.
His posture was awkward with plenty of gaps, and he was even obstructing his own field of vision with his wrist.
Good.
Shed take this round mercilessly - Prevent him from even attacking and instill a sense of frustration.
Renka, gripping the hilt tightly, thrust her shinai powerfully, timing it as Matsuda attempted a foot sweep.
Swooosh-!
One of the signature weaknesses of Sangdanse was a thrust to the throat.
Even the experienced and skilled Chinami had been scored upon several times with this thrust, let alone Matsuda, who hadnt even mastered the basics of the Jungdanse stance and footwork. There was no way he could evade or parry this attack.
This is going to hurt a bit.
As Renka confirmed that the tip of the shinai was indeed aimed at the throat-hitting point, she intuitively knew that Matsuda would now let out a pitiful scream.
However,
Swoosh-!
Uh...?
As her shinai brushed past Matsudas Howan, she could only widen her eyes in astonishment.
Did... did it miss...?
Had he anticipated it? That a thrust to the throat was coming?
No, that wasnt it.
Looking at Matsudas current stance, his legs were spread wide to the side, in a way you wouldnt see in a typical kendo match.
It meant he hadnt anticipated and dodged; he had moved with animal-like reflexes.
Haa!
Whooom-!
Following with a short and light battle cry, Matsudas arm swung dynamically, producing a sound as if it were slicing through the air.
Swoosh-!
Renka, through the bars of her Howan, saw Matsudas sharply gleaming eyes aimed at her waist and she swallowed nervously.
The waist...!
Renka, suddenly coming to her senses, tried to move urgently, but Matsudas shinai had already touched her right waist.
Crrrack-!
A hefty, resonating sound echoed on impact.
The atmosphere in the dojo, which had been loosened by several bouts, became heavy again.
.....
.....
A stillness lingered in the dojo.
The club members, Chinami, Renka, and even Goro looked back and forth between Renka and Matsuda, as if not understanding what had happened.
The first to break that silence was,
Did it work? Did I score?
Matsudas half-skeptical voice, as he casually retrieved his shinai and retreated.
Second to come around was the head of a third-year student, one of the referees, as he turned creakingly towards Goro.
One... one point...?
*
{ Kendoka: Kendo practitioner.
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