[37] Request for a Duel

"Pat—pat—"

The sound of wooden swords clashing continued without pause.

In just a few minutes, they had already exchanged more than a dozen moves. Today, Hachiman appeared notably more aggressive than before, consistently taking the offensive.

Merely ten minutes later, under Hachiman's relentless assault, Kotonoha forehead glistened with sweat.

With Hachiman's enhanced vision, he could clearly observe a single bead of sweat trickling down the girl's alabaster neck, journeying smoothly across her skin, before ultimately disappearing into the depths of the crevice between her breasts.

"Huh...huh..."

After more than ten minutes of sparring, the girl couldn't withstand Hachiman's fierce attacks any longer and appeared slightly out of breath.

"Hikigaya-san... please... stop."

Observing the girl's flushed face due to the intense exercise, Hachiman felt apologetic and promptly ceased his actions.

"I'm sorry, Katsura-san, I went a bit too hard."

"It's alright; I just need a short break," Kotonoha replied, shaking her head.

"Okay, let's take a rest and then continue."

With those words, the two knelt on the ground, taking a moment to recover their strength.

Due to their kneeling posture, the girl subtly adjusted her back, accentuating certain curves.

Hachiman found himself captivated by the pronounced features before him, unable to look away.

Kotonoha, seated opposite him, clearly noticed his gaze, evident by the persistent blush on her face. However, what surprised him was her silence. Instead of voicing any objections, she closed her eyes and arched her slender neck, resembling a vulnerable white swan awaiting something.

"Wouldn't a character like this appear somewhat vulnerable? Her angelic appearance and alluring figure could make her an easy target for exploitation. If she isn't cautious, she might inadvertently lead others into the depths of criminality.

Therefore, to protect society, Hachiman resolved to take on the role of the tiger's prey, to bear this burden alone!

Ah, indeed, he considered himself an outstanding young man in contemporary society.

Just as Hachiman was lost in these wild thoughts, a commanding voice suddenly resonated in his ears."

"Is this Hikigaya-kun?"

As I turned around, a beautiful woman with long purple hair stood not far away.

"President Busujima?!"

The person who approached was none other than Saeko Busujima, the head of the Kendo Club.

Hearing Hachiman's voice, Kotonoha, who had been meditating with her eyes closed, also opened her eyes and noticed Busujima Saeko nearby. She nodded respectfully, saying, "President Busujima, good afternoon!"

"Good afternoon, student Kotonoha-san," Saeko replied with a smile, nodding at Katsura before turning her attention back to Hachiman.

"Are you Hikigaya Hachiman?"

"That's correct; I'm Hikigaya Hachiman. May I ask what brings the President to me?" Hachiman was somewhat puzzled, unsure how the other person was aware of his identity.

It was worth noting that he had only recently joined the Kendo Club, and he hadn't had the opportunity to interact with many people, especially someone as popular within the Kendo Club as the President. He had barely crossed paths with her.

"Well, you see, I've observed your kendo practice, and it's quite impressive. I'd like to invite you to a kendo duel," Saeko said, approaching with a gentle and charming smile.

"President, you wish to challenge me?" Hachiman expressed his surprise and then offered a shrug accompanied by a smile. "President, I believe you're overestimating me. Considering my skill level, I fear I wouldn't fare well against many club members, let alone someone as accomplished as you."

"Is that so? Hikigaya-kun, you're being too modest. I believe your kendo skills are better than you give yourself credit for. Also, you can call me Busujima-senpai instead of president," Busujima replied, narrowing her eyes as she spoke.

Hachiman's swordsmanship might appear ordinary to an outsider. He didn't employ flashy techniques; instead, he focused on fundamental slashes, blocks, and movements. However, from Saeko Busujima's perspective, being from a family with a strong kendo background, she recognized his solid foundation. Each of his strikes and blocks was precise, efficiently using his strength without unnecessary exertion.

"Alright, Busujima-senpai, maybe I do have some talent in kendo," Hachiman said with a playful rub of his head, feigning ignorance.

"You're absolutely right, Hikigaya-kun, your talent is quite remarkable," Saeko nodded in agreement. "That's why it's even more crucial to nurture that talent through real combat."

"So, come and spar with me, Hikigaya-kun," she urged, a glint of enthusiasm gleaming in her eyes.

Hachiman felt somewhat helpless at her insistence. He had only wanted to quietly practice kendo, and now he found himself in this situation.

How did things end up like this?

Perhaps it was because Saeko felt a sense of loneliness as a seasoned master. After all, she had become unbeatable within the kendo club. There was no one who could challenge her except for the newcomers who had joined this year.

However, after closely observing the newcomers, none of them had ignited her enthusiasm, except for Hachiman.

So, today's events led to this moment.

"Come on, Hikigaya-kun, let's have a good match and see your true abilities," Saeko initially gentle voice became slightly distorted towards the end.

At this juncture, Hachiman recalled that the original Saeko did indeed have hidden aggressive tendencies, becoming exceptionally excited in the heat of battle. Perhaps it was his presence that had rekindled the long-dormant fighting spirit within her.

"Alright, since Busujima-senpai insists, I'll accept your challenge, even though I have no idea what I'm capable of. I hope you'll go easy on me, senpai," Hachiman conceded, finding himself unable to refuse.

Many people harbor a concealed desire for conflict, especially boys. Deep down, they yearn for the thrill of a vigorous battle. Hachiman couldn't help but wonder if this aspect played a role in his agreement to Saeko's request.

"Alright, thank you, Hikigaya-kun, for agreeing to my request. Give me a moment to prepare. Just head to the training ground and wait for me," Saeko said and departed without looking back.

"Hikigaya-san, what are you..." Kotonoha approached Hachiman, her expression filled with concern. She hadn't expected him to agree to spar with Saeko.

In the past few days since she had joined the kendo club, she had heard the senior members consistently praising President Busujima Saeko's kendo skills. Although Hachiman was skilled as well, in her opinion, he had no chance of winning against President Busujima Saeko.

"Don't worry, Katsura-san, I'm aware of the situation. I won't go all out, and if it becomes clear I can't win, I'll concede willingly," Hachiman reassured her. As he watched Saeko's departing figure, an unexpected sense of anticipation and excitement welled up within him.

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Chapter 38: Duel

Chapter 39: The Madness Of Busujima Saeko