"Okay, okay, I was just kidding. Don't take it so seriously. We've been friends since we were kids; of course I know what you're like. Did your mom make small cakes again? Perfect, I went to the department store today and haven't eaten anything yet."
Since the NERvGear was a new release, it was in high demand. Seiya had woken up early to line up so he could play the death game with Kirito.
Seiya opened the dojo door, and Suguha naturally followed him in, changing into her own slippers at the entrance. Seiya's house was a two-story building. The large ground floor was the kendo dojo, while the second floor was his living quarters.
The dojo on the first floor was simply furnished: bamboo swords on two wooden racks and two large calligraphic works in the center of the hall, reading "Wenren" and "Perseverance." At this time of day, the dojo used to be full of people practicing kendo, but since Seiya's grandfather passed away, it had been temporarily closed. Now, the only people who still practiced there were Seiya and Suguha.
"Seiya-nii, have you ever thought about reopening the dojo? I think that's what Grandpa Wenren would have wanted."
Looking at the empty, quiet dojo, Suguha's face showed a hint of sadness. She genuinely loved kendo and the place that held so many of her childhood memories. She didn't want the Wenren family's dojo to fade away.
"To reopen the dojo, I'd have to be an adult to be licensed to run it. And right now, I have a lot of things to keep busy with. Even if I wanted to, I'm not sure I'd have the energy to do it."
Reopening the family dojo was indeed one of Seiya's original plans. After all, running a dojo can be quite profitable, especially in Japan, where the samurai way is still respected, and kendo is popular.
But that was before. Now, with a system, just opening a dojo felt like a letdown for a transmigrator.
"Hmph, so the things you're 'busy' with are things like this?"
Suguha had already noticed the NERvGear box in Seiya's arms. Although she rarely paid attention to video games, she had heard about the NERvGear and its full-dive capabilities in the news as a revolutionary new product.
"I bet my brother made you buy it. Seriously, it's bad enough that he wastes his time, but now he's trying to drag you down with him, too. When I get back, I'm definitely going to scold him! Seiya-nii, you're a kendo prodigy; Grandpa Wenren had high hopes for you. You can't let yourself fall behind."
Hearing Suguha's words, Seiya couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Even though she was a year younger than him and Kirito, she was always the one lecturing them.
When she's at Seiya's house, Suguha acts as if she's at her own home. She put the small cakes on a plate and even made some buckwheat tea to go with them. To be honest, she probably knew where all the daily necessities were better than Seiya himself.
Watching Seiya devour the small cakes, Suguha rested her chin in her hands, looking at him with a blissful expression.
"So, Seiya-nii, you haven't eaten all day and woke up early just to buy this? You're the same as my brother. I just don't get it; is this game really that fun?"
Looking at the NERvGear on the table, Suguha was a little unhappy. Ever since the dojo closed, Seiya spent less time practicing kendo with her. If he started playing with the NERvGear, the time they spent together would become even more limited. It was all her good-for-nothing brother's fault for trying to lead the great Seiya-nii astray.
"Actually, it's not just for fun. According to Kirito, this SAO game is a full-dive experience. That means in the game, our character's actions will sync completely with our own minds. Kirito also said it's a game centered around swords, so kendo experts like me will perform exceptionally well. I figured since I don't have a good opponent in real life, why not look for a strong one in the game? In a game, no one cares that I'm a middle-schooler, and it'll help me hone my awareness and reaction skills. That's why I accepted Kirito's invitation."
Suguha's face instantly lit up with understanding. She knew Seiya was different from her useless brother. While her brother played games for fun, Seiya played to improve his kendo skills. There was a huge difference between the two!
"In that case, I have nothing to say. By the way, is the NERvGear still available at the department store?"
The girl, who had been against the NERvGear, was now suddenly interested in SAO after hearing Seiya's explanation. She thought that if she also played SAO, she could spend even more time with Seiya-nii! This thought made her heart race.
"I think it would be hard to buy one now. And the SAO public launch is tonight, Suguha, you..."
"Seiya-nii, I have to go now! After you've finished the cakes, just leave the plate; I'll wash it when I get back."
Before Seiya could finish his sentence, the girl had already rushed out. Seiya sighed as he watched her leave. He knew exactly what Suguha was planning, and to be honest, he didn't want her to enter SAO with them, as it was a matter of life and death. But since the NERvGear was in such high demand and the launch was tonight, he figured she wouldn't be able to get one. He felt relieved.
That night, Kirito called to make sure Seiya wouldn't bail on him or have trouble using the dive gear. After he hung up, Suguha called right after, sadly telling him she couldn't get a NERvGear. However, she had a friend who promised she would get one in two days and join them in the game.
"Full Dive—!"
After connecting the device, a digital voice sounded, and Seiya's consciousness instantly entered the virtual game!