[52] Invitation from Busujima Saeko

Today, I've almost assessed my true skill level in kendo, and it's getting late. It's time to conclude this battle and head home.

Crack!

As Saeko's powerful strike landed, Hachiman stepped back a few paces with the help of a counterforce.

His Level 3 acting skills once again came into play as he used the wooden sword to support himself, his face displaying signs of exhaustion.

"Saeko-senpai, your swordsmanship is truly impressive. I concede."

Observing his somewhat pale complexion, Saeko also lowered her wooden sword.

Unbeknownst to them, an hour had already passed, and the intense battle had left her somewhat drained.

Nevertheless, this real combat had allowed her to release pent-up emotions, and she felt a sense of relief washing over her.

Hachiman, you truly are important to me!

Watching Hachiman stand upright again, a thought crossed Saeko mind.

"No way, Hachiman, you're impressive too. Without learning any specific style or techniques, relying solely on basic kendo, you've already shown remarkable skill. You can definitely be considered a prodigy."

In her eyes, Hachiman, who only knew the Eight Basic Forms of Kendo, could fight her, someone who had practiced the Busujima style of swordsmanship since childhood, up to this point. He was undoubtedly a kendo prodigy.

The Eight Basic Forms of Kendo refer to the eight fundamental methods of swordsmanship, serving as the foundation of sword techniques.

These include thrusting, sweeping, cutting, breaking, chopping, hooking, lifting, and wiping, and they are the most fundamental moves in swordsmanship.

During their duel, she could also see that Hachiman had a solid foundation, but he lacked the application of techniques.

With a bit of guidance, his kendo skills could undoubtedly make significant strides.

In the midst of their duel, Saeko could see that Hachiman had a solid foundation, but he lacked the application of techniques.

She smiled and spoke up, "Hachiman, I wonder if you'd be interested in learning our Busujima-style swordsmanship."

"Is that... really possible?"

For a moment, Hachiman was somewhat taken aback.

Learning techniques from different styles was something he was eager to do, as it was what he lacked.

However, in his impression, many martial arts techniques were traditionally passed down within families. Could an outsider like him truly learn them?

Is this senpai trying to get me to join the clan and become his wife?

Although Saeko was indeed beautiful, with a deep cleavage line, and had the qualities of a good wife, he wasn't the same old Hachiman Hikigaya.

The idea of becoming part of the family was not something he was considering.

However, just as he was about to politely decline, Saeko spoke up again, "Of course, that's not a problem at all. Actually, my technique comes from my grandfather, and it's different from our clan's style. My family dojo has gained some recognition. If you're interested in learning, I welcome you."

"That's wonderful. I'm definitely eager to learn from you, Saeko-senpai," Hachiman said with a smile. Since there was no need to become part of the clan, he was more than willing to learn.

"That's settled then. I believe with your strong foundation, Hachiman, you'll quickly grasp the techniques of our Busujima-style swordsmanship." Saeko nodded with a smile upon his agreement.

"I'll send you the address of our family's dojo later. If you have time on the weekends, Hachiman, you can come over, and I'll teach you the key points of Busujima-style swordsmanship."

"Um... won't this be too much of a bother?" Hachiman hesitated.

"It's no problem. During this time, my father has been abroad, and our family's dojo is in a semi-closed state. But the training space is still available, more than enough for the two of us to practice."

Wow, that means it's just the two of us, right?

Alone together in a room, Senpai, aren't you worried I might do something?

However, thinking about Saeko's level of swordsmanship, Hachiman was reassured.

If he dared to do anything, he'd probably get a serious beating from her.

"Well, then, I'll be in your care, Saeko-senpai."

"You're not a bother at all. In fact, I'm very welcoming of Hachiman-kun coming over. We'll have plenty of time and space to practice and learn from each other."

...

Watching the two of them happily exchanging on the practice ground, Kotonoha face turned somewhat melancholic.

Hikigaya-kun... probably doesn't need me anymore, right?

With Saeko-senpai as his training partner, his kendo skills would surely improve even faster.

Moreover, Busujima-senpai is so beautiful and has higher kendo skills. Compared to me, Hikigaya-kun is probably more inclined to practice with her.

I really am an unnecessary person...

As someone who has been bullied for a long time due to personality and physique, Kotonoha couldn't help but feel a bit inferior.

At this moment, Hachiman, having finished exchanging with Saeko on the stage, walked out of the practice area and immediately spotted Kotonoha in the crowd.

Indeed, wherever there's a beauty, she stands out, but of course, this doesn't rule out that he's a bit shallow.

When he saw the melancholic expression on Kotonoha face, he couldn't help but pause, but then he understood what was going on and walked straight towards her.

"Katsura-san." Coming up to her, Hachiman softly called out.

"Ah, Hikigaya-kun..." Kotonoha, who had been looking down, suddenly heard Hachiman's voice and lifted her head abruptly.

"I'm sorry, Katsura-san, we had originally planned to practice together, but when I arrived at the club, Saeko-senpai had been waiting for me for a while, so I had a match with her first. Unexpectedly, the match took longer than I thought, so I couldn't practice with you."

"I apologize, for not keeping my promise!" Hachiman bowed slightly with an apologetic expression on his face.

"Ah, it's okay, Hikigaya-kun." Seeing him like this, Kotonoha quickly waved it off, and the initial sadness in her heart vanished.

So that's how it is. Hikigaya-kun didn't avoid practicing with me. That's great!

But Saeko... Senpai?

Hearing Hachiman refer to Saeko that way, Kotonoha found herself oddly curious.

"Katsura-san, can we practice together tomorrow?" Hachiman asked cautiously, unsure if she still wanted to practice with him.

"Kotonoha..." The girl muttered softly.

"Katsura-san, you just..." Her voice was so quiet that Hachiman couldn't hear it clearly.

"Just call me Kotonoha, Hikigaya-kun." Kotonoha gathered her courage and spoke again.

"Ah, Kotonoha-san..."

"It's Kotonoha. Hikigaya-kun, you can just call me Kotonoha."

Hachiman had a slight feeling that her tone had become a bit firmer.

"Well then, Kotonoha... Would you be willing to practice with me tomorrow?"

"Of course, I'd love to." The girl's face lit up with a joyful smile.

"Then it's settled. Let's practice together tomorrow. I'll head off for today, Kotonoha," Hachiman said with a sigh of relief, bidding her farewell and heading towards the changing room.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Hikigaya-kun." The girl wore a radiant smile and waved to him.

However, all of this was observed by Saeko, not far away.

As she watched Katsura Kotonoha's smiling face and then Hachiman's departing figure, Saeko narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.

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Chapter 53: The Determination of Kasumigaoka Utaha

054: The Way Back Home with Kotonoha