Among the group approaching, one figure immediately drew all attention.
She walked at the front, her eyes cool as winter frost, long black hair flowing loosely down her shoulders, her bearing as pure and untouchable as falling snow.
At her hip hung an ancient, elegant katana. The hilt was engraved with vigorous characters—though at this distance, the words were unreadable.
Before long, the young woman and the group behind her reached the front of the dojo.
When her gaze landed on Morikawa Yu, the coldness in her eyes softened ever so slightly.
"We're back."
"Welcome home, Maki-sensei."
Morikawa Yu smiled.
Her name was Hōjō Maki, a respected instructor of the Sakuragawa Academy Kendo Club.
Though her aloof demeanor made her seem hard to approach, she treated her students kindly—and had always shown Yu particular support.
"How did today's practice go, Maki-sensei?"
"Not bad."
She unfastened the ancient blade at her waist and handed it to Morikawa Yu, then glanced at the students gathered behind him.
"And how are the freshmen coming along with their fundamentals?"
Yu accepted the katana with both hands, and turned briefly to look at the trainees.
"They're improving quickly. In another two days, Sensei, you'll be able to start teaching them the formal kata."
"Good. That will do."
She nodded once and strode into the entryway of the dojo.
Yu lingered in the doorway, his expression a little strange.
The moment he had taken Hōjō Maki's blade, he had heard the faintest ring of steel—a clear chime, like a sword calling out.
But before he could examine the katana in his hands, the students who had followed Maki inside came forward one by one, bowing in greeting.
"Good work, Minister!"
"Thank you for your efforts, Morikawa-buchō!"
"Senpai Yu, sorry for troubling you!"
Yu stopped himself from staring at the weapon, instead returning their bows with a smile and stepping aside to let them pass.
"Morikawa, over here. I have something to discuss with you."
Maki's voice called from the center of the hall.
Kōsaka Maki and the other freshmen had already moved aside to clear the space.
When the instructor had taken the upperclassmen out for a cherry blossom viewing, the room had been free for the new recruits to drill suburi. Now that she'd returned, they obediently retreated to the corners of the dojo.
Fortunately, the hall was spacious. Even the corners had tatami mats enough for them to rest without crowding.
Yu, still curious about the blade in his hands, carefully placed it back in its usual place of honor before striding out to stand before Hōjō Maki.
"What is it, Sensei?"
"Morikawa, while we were out today, we came across a student from another school."
Maki paused there.
Yu blinked, not sure why she was telling him this.
"And then?"
"He said he had business with you, and asked me to help arrange it."
"With me? What business?"
"He didn't say."
"Do I know him?"
Maki shook her head.
Yu frowned, just as her gaze shifted toward the entrance.
A lone figure had appeared outside without his noticing—an eighteen or nineteen–year-old young man, tall and handsome, dressed in a spotless white uniform.
Yu was certain he hadn't been there earlier when he welcomed Maki back. The boy must have been hiding.
"Come in."
Maki inclined her head toward him.
"Yes, Hōjō-senpai."
The youth bowed crisply, then strode toward the center of the dojo.
Yu's frown deepened. The boy was scrutinizing him just as intently, eyes flicking up and down as though appraising some rare specimen.
Not a friendly guest, Yu thought, a prickle of caution rising.
"Morikawa, this is Kondō-kun, a student from Meiji Law University. Kondō, this is the Morikawa you wished to see."
"Greetings, Morikawa-san. My name is Kondō Kiyoshi. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Introductions made, Kiyoshi gave a shallow bow.
Yu had little choice but to return it.
"Hello, Kondō-san. Likewise."
With that, Hōjō Maki gave Yu a small nod.
"Morikawa, I'll leave you to entertain Kondō-kun. I'll be resting."
And without waiting for reply, she withdrew toward her usual room at the side of the dojo.
Watching her go, Yu understood her intent.
Maki was leaving the matter in his hands. Whether he talked it out politely, or threw the interloper straight back outside—she would not interfere.
Since she didn't mind, Yu's own stance relaxed.
Whatever Kondō's business—serious or petty—it could be settled.
And in the dojo, matters were settled with the sword.
Besides, he had just awakened his system. It was the perfect opportunity to test it.
"So, Kondō-san," Yu asked, studying the pristine white uniform, "Sensei said you had business with me. What exactly is it?"
At first glance, Yu had assumed the uniform marked him as another high schooler. Only now did he realize Kondō was a university student.
Strange—most Japanese universities had no uniforms at all, save for a handful of elite private academies.
But Yu couldn't recall any such school here in District 19. Was he from farther away?
"Ah… Morikawa-san, you are quite direct. Yes, I do have business with you."
Kondō hesitated—then his eyes flicked past Yu, toward the cluster of Kendo Club members lingering behind him.
They had unconsciously gathered nearer to their minister's side, watching Kondō with sharp, unwelcoming stares.
It was clear enough: one word from Yu, and they would drag him bodily from the dojo.
Yu followed his gaze—and noticed where it had settled.
A girl.
One of the newer members. Her name slipped Yu's mind, though he recalled she seemed to like him. He, however, had never reciprocated.
So that's it.
Kondō had come because of her.
Yu lost all interest immediately.
No doubt the girl had spurned this university boy's advances. And now, Kondō had decided that defeating Yu, the minister, would impress her and win her over.
Pathetic.
A college student resorting to such childish theatrics.
And Maki-sensei, for whatever reason, had humored him by arranging this meeting.
"You came for her?" Yu asked flatly.
"Yes."
Kondō nodded with solemn resolve.
"And what is it you intend to do?"
"To propose a wager."
"A wager?"
"Yes. I wish to challenge you in kendo."
"If I win, Morikawa-san, I ask you to grant me one request. Of course, if I lose, I will honor one request from you instead."
"I swear on my honor as a man, whatever the demand may be—I will fulfill it."
"You think this is worth it?"
Yu glanced toward the girl again.
Kondō inhaled sharply, eyes blazing.
"For her—it's worth everything. This is my duty as a man!"
His declaration rang bold and firm.
Yu, however, regarded him with pity.
For all his bravado, the girl had yet to so much as glance up. She sat with her head bowed, unwilling even to look at Kondō.
This was not romance. This was obsession. Groveling.
A hopeless simp, Yu thought.
Kondō-kun, don't blame me. But your pitiful love story ends here. Pure devotion is often slain by reality—and sycophants rarely meet a good end.
Your path as a lovesick fool will be cut down by my hand.
Yu shook his head and rose slowly to his feet.
From that single motion, an invisible pressure filled the dojo, the air growing thick, the atmosphere solemn.
Kōsaka Maki and several freshmen shivered involuntarily, as if some unseen force had struck them.
Hōjō Maki's eyes, too, flickered with something unusual.
But her gaze was not on Yu.
She looked toward the alcove where the ancient blade rested.
The moment Yu had stood, she had heard it—a clear chime of steel.
The katana that had sat quietly in its sheath now jutted slightly open, a bare inch of cold, gleaming steel exposed, shimmering with a chill light.