90 [90] The Visit from Shizuka Hiratsuka

"If you're willing to commit yourself to kendo, Hachiman," the young girl began, her words trailing off as Hachiman interrupted her.

"I still prefer a carefree life. Kendo is just a hobby for me," he stated firmly.

"But, Hachiman..."

Saeko refused to yield. In her eyes, Hachiman's dedication to kendo was insufficient, limited to just one hour of club practice each day, even with the additional weekend training at her family's dojo.

After all, which kendo master had ever attained such status without relentless, day-and-night practice?

Hachiman's confident smile flashed as he proposed a wager. "Here's the deal, Saeko. Let's make a bet."

He held her gaze, his conviction unwavering. "For one year, if I don't attain the level of a Sword Master, then I'll wholeheartedly dedicate myself to kendo."

Saeko's curiosity ignited upon hearing Hachiman's challenge. Achieving the esteemed status of a Sword Master was an arduous endeavor, representing the pinnacle of the Japanese kendo world.

The few remaining Sword Masters were typically in their fifties or sixties. Even her father, Masao Busujima, had only achieved this status in his late thirties.

In her perspective, even with Hachiman's recent enlightenment, achieving the level of a Sword Master in just one year, no matter how exceptional his talent, seemed like a lofty goal, if not outright impossible. It typically took five or six years of relentless practice to reach that status. Nevertheless, Saeko saw this bet as an opportunity for Hachiman to learn the importance of dedication through eventual failure.

With a bright smile on her face, Saeko made her determination clear. "Then it's settled, Hachiman. If you try to back out later, I won't agree, and I'll drag you back if I have to."

Hachiman couldn't help but wonder if Saeko had a hint of possessiveness about her. "Wow, could you be a potential yandere?" he thought to himself as he observed her smiling face.

Reassured by Hachiman's commitment, Saeko nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, Saeko. A gentleman's word is his bond. If I don't reach the Sword Master in due time, I'll wholeheartedly practice kendo with you," Hachiman declared confidently.

He continued, "But I have faith in myself. Just wait and see in a year; I'll definitely achieve Sword Master status to prove it to you."

Unbeknownst to Saeko, Hachiman had recently experienced a kendo enlightenment and possessed a unique advantage. In his mind, he mused, "Humans do have limits, but cheats don't."

Hachiman's proficiency in the kendo module had indeed reached an impressive 5350 out of 50000. Despite the considerable slowdown in his proficiency gain after his enlightenment, the battles with Kotonoha and Saeko had played a pivotal role. He maintained a steady rate of ten points per hour, accumulating a total of two hundred and forty points in a day. At this pace, even if he did nothing for a year, he could confidently reach Level 5 Kendo, equivalent to the prestigious status of a Sword Master.

("I will bring back these extra points so that his other skills do not remain mediocre.")

This extraordinary advantage filled him with unwavering confidence.

"Alright, then I'll look forward to your journey to becoming a Sword Master," Saeko responded, her heart brimming with hope. The idea that Hachiman might actually achieve Sword Master status in a year challenged her perception of the Japanese kendo world.

Reinvigorated and determined to continue their training, Saeko stood up. Regardless of the outcome of Hachiman's bet, they couldn't afford to neglect their current practice.

Hachiman, showing no signs of fatigue, simply shrugged and got to his feet. If Saeko wished to continue their training, he was more than willing to join her.

Once again, the pair readied their wooden swords, and the familiar sound of clashing wooden blades echoed throughout the spacious kendo dojo.

........

Inside a tastefully adorned apartment, Shizuka reclined on her bed, forming a relaxed "大" (big) shape. It was a rare, unhurried weekend, and her initial plan had been to indulge in a refreshing nap. However, despite her best efforts to find slumber's embrace through tossing and turning, sleep eluded her.

After a moment's contemplation, she resolved to retrieve her car keys. Her Aston Martin held a special place in her heart, and she wanted to ensure its keys remained safe, especially in Hachiman's care.

Sitting up in her bed, she reached for her phone and effortlessly accessed the school's intranet, courtesy of her homeroom teacher privileges. There, she easily located Hachiman's address.

Dressing appropriately for the occasion, Shizuka left her apartment. She hailed a passing taxi and directed the driver toward Hachiman's residence.

Before long, the taxi came to a stop in front of a standalone house adorned with the name "Hikigaya" on the doorplate.

As the car door swung open, the first thing to emerge were a pair of impeccably sculpted legs, followed by a woman with flowing, well-proportioned hair stepping gracefully onto the pavement.

The visitor was none other than Shizuka.

Upon seeing the name on the doorplate, she offered a confirming nod, reassuring herself that she had indeed arrived at the correct destination. Stepping closer to the front door, she extended her hand and pressed the doorbell.

"Ding dong~ Ding dong~"

Inside the snug living room, Komachi was deeply immersed in watching anime when the doorbell's chime disrupted her concentration.

Onii-chan typically didn't return home until late in the afternoon, so why would someone be ringing the doorbell at this hour? Could it be that her parents had returned early from their business trip? No, that didn't add up; they would simply let themselves in. Intrigued, she made her way to the entrance and peered through the peephole.

"Is it someone looking for Onii-chan?" Komachi pondered aloud, considering the possibility that Hachiman, her older brother, might have started attracting visitors lately, possibly as part of his gradual transition into a "normie."

With the door open, Komachi greeted the visitor with a warm smile. "Onee-san, who are you looking for?"

On the other side of the door, Shizuka noticed that the person who had answered wasn't Hachiman but a girl who seemed to be around thirteen or fourteen years old. She paused for a moment before responding, "Is this Hikigaya Hachiman's residence?"

"Yes," Komachi confirmed, her earlier suspicion gaining more traction as she saw Shizuka's interest in her brother.

"But Onii-chan isn't home right now. If you don't mind, Onee-san, you can come in and wait for him."

Hearing Komachi address her as "Onee-san," Shizuka couldn't help but offer a warm smile.

"Alright, then I'll leave it to you, little sister."

The two of them entered the living room, where Komachi kindly prepared a cup of tea for Shizuka. Despite being two years younger than Hachiman, she displayed a level of maturity that surpassed his in social graces.

"Onee-san, I'm Komachi Hikigaya. May I ask what brings you to our home?"

Placing the tea in front of Shizuka, Komachi decided to inquire about her purpose for visiting and her connection to Hachiman.

"Thank you."

Accepting the tea, Shizuka gathered her thoughts and began to speak slowly.

"In truth, Hachiman took something very important from me..."