The world of Type-Moon starts with saving Altria!

"Okita, your ability to understand is truly outstanding."

Kondo Shusuke smiled and praised Okita Souji.

"So what if I change the target of my sword strike to the wooden stake I just knocked down?"

"So that means you can acquire the swordsmanship to knock down a large wooden stake, right?"

Although a little late, Ian also reacted.

"Yes."

Kondo Shusuke nodded, confirming Ian's statement.

"If you use small wooden stakes as your sword targets all your life, you will only acquire the swordsmanship to knock down small wooden stakes."

"And if you use large wooden stakes as your sword targets for your entire life, your level will be raised to the point where you can knock down large stakes."

"The understanding of kendo is never a static process - its upper limit depends on the strength of your opponent. Only by constantly climbing and challenging stronger opponents can you reach higher peaks."

Having said that, Kondo Shusuke paused, and his gaze became much more serious than before.

That was a look that made the two little ones feel valued.

"so--"

"I hope that you can use each other as rivals, then your growth in the way of the sword will never be limited."

"You will continue to be entangled like twin flowers on the other side of the river, until both of you reach the highest realm - this is the 'selflessness' pursued by the 'Natural Reasoning Flow'."

"..."

"..."

Kondo Shusuke's words were like a key that opened the door, giving you and Okita Souji a new understanding.

Being rivals does not mean becoming enemies.

[On the contrary, it is precisely because of the desire to see one's best friend make progress that the vine of hard work in one's heart will be nourished.]

[“Come and defeat me—”]

【This is not hatred or doubt, but a desire to see a better each other. 】

Duang——

Duang——

The wooden swords collided with each other, making a crisp sound.

With the goal of defeating each other, Ian and Okita Souji officially began kendo training.

But having said that...

There is indeed a clear gap in the strength of the two.

The reason is also very simple.

As the eldest daughter of the Okita family, Okita Souji has received systematic training in kendo.

After all, this is a kind of etiquette in the shogunate era, and even women would not miss it.

But Ian, who came from a poor family, did not receive such treatment.

He didn't understand the basics of kendo at all, all he had was a brutal nature.

"Drink-"

"Drink-"

The one who shouted the loudest on the "battlefield" was Ian.

But such offensive momentum is obviously not worth mentioning in front of Okita Souji.

A surprise attack!

Souji Okita cleverly dodged Ian's brutal attack and got to the position behind him.

Second stage raid!

Souji Okita clenched the wooden sword in his hand, then looked at his companion's exposed vital parts on his back, carefully judging where he would not be hurt.

Three-stage raid!

Okita Souji poured his strength into the wooden sword.

Her eyes once again became sharp, which was completely disproportionate to her petite body.

"Ian, I'm coming!"

Unleashing his attack declaration, Okita Souji lunged at his companions.

of course.

Just like the place he had chosen in advance, Souji Okita stabbed without hurting Ian.

However, some physical pain is definitely unavoidable.

"what!"

Ian's screams echoed over the dojo, causing Okita Souji to feel a pang of pain in his heart when he heard it.

Such a voice was too hard for her to accept!

only……

Souji Okita secretly glanced at Shusuke Kondo next to him.

Although Ian screamed miserably, the man didn't seem to have any intention of stopping.

That is to say...

I have to continue my offensive drills!

"Ian, are you okay?!" Souji Okita asked cautiously.

"It's okay, I can do it!"

Rubbing his back which had just been hit by Okita Souji, Ian picked up the wooden sword that had fallen to the ground and stood up again!

"Okita, let's do it again. This time I'm sure I can beat you!"

"……it is good."

[However, often times, brute force alone cannot reverse the outcome.]

【For example, the current swordsmanship competition. 】

[Okita Souji's overall ability is clearly superior to yours.]

[No matter how many times you try like this, the end result will be that you will be knocked to the ground by her! ]

【Yes. 】

【You begin to realize that there is indeed a gap between you and him. 】

[It's not just the difference between those who have received kendo training and those who haven't.]

[Just as Kondo Shusuke said before—]

【Okita Souji is a genius. 】

【At least that's the case when it comes to kendo.】

After losing countless times, Ian probably used up all his strength.

He put down the wooden sword for the time being, and lay down on the wooden board of the dojo in a big letter shape, gasping for breath.

The intense breathing sounds echoed in the sky above the dojo, like thunderclaps that plucked at Souji Okita's heartstrings.

The gap in their conditions is too big.

Ian was so tired that he was out of breath, but Okita Souji didn't even break a sweat.

But Master Kondo Shusuke hasn’t called a halt yet… should I continue?

But he...

Souji Okita looked at Ian lying on the ground and felt a little sorry for him.

She covered her chest, pressing down the heart that seemed to be about to jump out at any moment.

If we want to continue, we have to think of some way.

otherwise……

He will definitely be regarded as a bad person by his master.

As if he had seen through Okita Souji's thoughts, Kondo Shusuke, who had been silent until then and watched Okita Souji unilaterally suppress Ian, suddenly spoke at this moment:

"Let's take a break for now."

"Okita, come here for a moment."

"Hey, okay."

The girl who was just thinking about how to speak up for Ian was now relieved.

Master Kondo Shusuke did not see nothing.

but……

What does he want to say by looking for me like this?

Okita Souji couldn't help but think about it.

Of course, she still followed her master's instructions and walked over.

"Master..."

Before Okita Souji could ask, Kondo Shusuke lowered his voice and asked:

"Okita, based on your first impression, what do you think of Hijikata's strength?"

"This..." Okita Souji hesitated.

She was thinking about how to make her statement sound less slanderous to her companions.

But Kondo Shusuke continued at this time:

"Don't overthink it, and don't try to excuse Hijikata."

"Describe the feeling you just had in the most objective and appropriate way."

"..."

At this point, Okita Souji also understood that his master wanted to hear real feedback.

She nodded and then spoke her inner thoughts.

"Saizo... I really don't understand much about kendo."

"Is it just the extent of knowing nothing?"

"..."

Kondo Shusuke's eyes seemed sharp, as if he had seen through everything.

Souji Okita could only increase the force of his words.

"Well...actually, I'm probably completely clueless and can only use brute force."

"Um……"

Kondo Shusuke nodded.

Obviously, even though he was just watching, he also noticed the "ugliness" of Ian's sword skills.

"That's exactly what happened—you've finally told the truth."

"so……"

Kondo Shusuke looked at Ian who was still gasping for breath on the ground.

"If you plan to continue training later, you'll let him help you, right?"

"Eh?"

Okita Souji never thought that his little thoughts would be seen through by his master Kondo Shusuke.