[33] Peculiar Surge in Skill Proficiency

*Pat - Pat -*

Two crisp sounds rang out in succession as Kotonoha attacks were once again parried by Hachiman.

However, this time a hint of surprise flickered across his face. He hadn't anticipated that the girl would execute two consecutive Iai Slashes.

(A/N:The Iai slash is a term related to the Japanese martial art of Iaido, which focuses on the quick and precise drawing of a sword from its scabbard, delivering a powerful and immediate strike to an opponent. The technique is characterized by its swiftness and precision, often catching opponents off guard due to its rapid execution.)

Hachiman didn't expect Kotonoha to be able to perform an Iai slash in Kendo.

Caught off guard, he didn't provide Kotonoha an opportunity to counterattack on this occasion.

Pressing forward, he advanced assertively, gripping the wooden sword with both hands. As he harnessed his strength, he surged forward with lightning-like speed.

Yet, he intentionally refrained from striking the girl. Hachiman now had a clear understanding of his own strength, and if he were to land a hit on Kotonoha, it could leave quite a noticeable mark.

Aiming for the wooden sword in the girl's hand, Hachiman swung down with force, his grip firm on his own blade.

*Duang~*

The impact reverberated as the shock force caused the wooden sword in her hand to be disarmed.

"Ah!" Kotonoha let out a small cry, taking a step back and almost losing her balance.

"Katsura-san, are you alright?" Concern etched on his face, Hachiman hurriedly approached her, his voice filled with worry.

"I... I'm okay, Hikigaya-san. You're incredible!" Waving off his concern, she assured him that she was fine. As she looked up at Hachiman, a distinct shine appeared in her eyes, their brilliance unexplainable.

The Japanese people possess a common habit of venerating the strong, and though she herself was skilled in swordsmanship, she had been soundly defeated by Hikigaya-san with surprising ease.

A glimmer of admiration welled up within the girl's heart.

Moreover, Hachiman had extended a helping hand to her in the past...

Due to her appearance and demeanor, Katsura had endured three years of bullying during junior high school. Suddenly encountering someone willing to offer assistance had left an indelible mark on her heart, fostering a natural fondness.

As she reminisced about the instance when Hachiman came to her aid, a gentle smile formed at the corner of the girl's lips.

"I'm okay, Hikigaya-san. Let's continue practicing," Kotonoha reassured with a smile, repositioning herself in front of Hachiman.

"Sure thing Katsura-san,take care," Hachiman acknowledged.

With the confirmation that she was alright, his worries eased. Swiftly adjusting his stance, he resumed his attack against her.

"Katsura-san, no need to hold back on my account. Give it your all in your attacks," he advised, as he too wanted to experience the sensation of sparring against an opponent.

Upon hearing his words, the girl nodded, adopting an aggressive stance, and charged towards him.

*Pat - pat- pat -*

The echoing clash of wooden swords persisted, the two figures engaged in a dynamic dance.

Yet, unbeknownst to them, a figure clad in purple observed their spar from a short distance away.

By five o'clock in the evening, Hachiman decided to halt the practice.

"What's the matter, Hikigaya-san?" Kotonoha inquired, her curiosity evident.

"Let's call it a day here, Katsura-san. I need to head home," Hachiman explained, his tone carrying an apologetic note.

Hearing that he was preparing to leave, Kotonoha found herself somewhat reluctant. "It's still quite early, Hikigaya-san. Why not practice a bit longer?"

"I'm afraid not. I have a younger sister back home, and I'm concerned about her being alone," Hachiman explained, shaking his head.

"Alright, Hikigaya-san, could we continue practicing together tomorrow?" Kotonoha inquired, her voice tinged with anticipation.

"Absolutely, as long as you up for it." Hachiman readily agreed. He certainly wouldn't turn down an invitation from a beautiful girl, especially from someone as open-minded and lovely as Kotonoha.

"Then we have a deal."

Kotonoha smile was warm and inviting.

"Alright, then I'll go change clothes first. Goodbye, Katsura-san," Hachiman nodded and headed towards the locker room after his words.

"Goodbye, Hikigaya-san."

As she watched him depart, a hint of reluctance crossed Kotonoha eyes.

"Student Katsura." Just as she lingered, gazing at Hachiman's retreating figure, a commanding voice rang out in her ear.

Turning her head, she found herself facing Busujima Saeko, the president of the Kendo Club, who had seemingly approached without her noticing.

Kotonoha held deep respect for this woman who stood at the helm of the entire kendo club.

"Hello, President."

"Good afternoon,student Kotonoha." Saeko offered a slight nod in response.

"That boy who was practicing with you just now, who is he?"

"You mean Hikigaya-san?"

"Is that his name, Hikigaya?" Saeko's eyes lit up.

The boy's swordsmanship had ignited a passion within her that she hadn't felt in a long time. Keep in mind that not even Shuji Fujita, who possessed the most formidable kendo besides herself, could kindle such a feeling.

"Yes, that's Hikigaya Hachiman. He's a freshman like me, having joined the club this year as well," Kotonoha introduced.

"Hikigaya Hachiman..." Saeko nodded, a smile gracing her lips as she smiled at Katsura.

"I understand. Thank you, student Kotonoha. I won't keep you any longer. Goodbye!" With that, she turned and made her exit.

"Goodbye, President." Kotonoha offered a slight bow in farewell.

Unbeknownst to Hachiman, he had captured the attention of the alluring president of the Kendo Club. Meanwhile, he found himself preoccupied by another matter.

The sudden 500-point increase in his kendo proficiency had left him feeling rather perplexed.

"Perhaps... it's due to the actual combat training with Katsura-san today?" Hachiman mused, his thoughts tinged with uncertainty.

Considering that kendo is rooted in combat, it's plausible that hands-on practice like today's could significantly enhance proficiency.

The kendo proficiency on the panel comprised nearly one-third of his total. With a few more training sessions alongside Kotonoha, combined with the natural growth of his skill, he estimated that his kendo might reach the fourth level within a month's time.

Once he achieved the fourth level of kendo, coupled with his extraordinary physical abilities, he'd feel confident enough to challenge the captivating leader of the kendo club, Busujima Saeko.

Naturally, whether he could emerge victorious or not remained an unanswered question.

"I'm home..."

"Welcome back, Onii-chan."

The moment he stepped into the house, Komachi's cheerful greeting met him.

Gently patting her head, Hachiman smiled and responded, "I'm back, Komachi."

As his warm hand brushed her head, Komachi's eyes squinted in contentment.

"Wait a moment, Onii-chan. Dinner will be ready soon."

"Hmm? Komachi, why did you decide to cook dinner today?" Hachiman found himself a little puzzled.

"Well, since you've been working hard with the Kendo Club, Onii-chan must be exhausted. So, I thought it's only fair for a sister to take care of her hardworking brother by making dinner tonight." Komachi placed her hands on her hips, sporting a proud smile that exuded a touch of satisfaction.

"Oh, by the way, that line just now would probably score pretty high in the 'Komachi's Quotations' book."

"Hey, my Komachi is the best."

Hachiman chuckled, shaking his head at his sister's adorable tsundere behavior. He had long grown accustomed to it.