Chapter 593

Yano Shingo watched, his blood boiling with excitement, and he couldn't help but cheer:

"Great hit!"

"I really couldn't tell, Natsume-kun, your talent is so high! It seems the teacher Miss Konoe found for you is quite remarkable."

"But, well... there are still some areas in your moves just now that could be polished. Next, let me, your senior, give you a lesson!"

He was stronger than Yoshida, so dealing with Natsume-kun would be even easier.

While reclaiming his dignity, he also had to make Natsume-kun understand the hierarchy here.

They, the seniors, were above, and Natsume-kun was below!

Natsume Chikage adjusted his breathing, gripped the bamboo sword tightly with both hands again, and bowed slightly:

"Senior Yano, please teach me!"

Yano Shingo laughed, put on his mask, and stepped into the arena full of confidence.

He intended to make this gifted junior understand that for some things, talent alone is not enough.

Soon.

Another crisp sound of a bamboo sword hitting the ground.

Yano Shingo stood blankly in place, his hands empty, his expression beneath the mask one of utter bewilderment.

"I... actually lost?"

Shanshan Hideki and Kurokawa Akihiko exchanged a glance, both seeing even more intense shock and ecstasy in each other's eyes.

Natsume-kun's strength was likely even greater than they had anticipated!

He might not only become a reliable backbone but even a core force for aiming at better rankings!

A curve of interest appeared at the corner of Kurokawa Akihiko's mouth as he calmly put on his mask.

"Natsume-kun, your strength is indeed impressive."

"I didn't expect even Yano to be defeated by you."

"It seems the teacher Miss Konoe hired for you must be of an extremely high rank; otherwise, it would be impossible to hone your movements, footwork, and even combat awareness to such proficiency in such a short time."

He asked curiously:

"Would you mind revealing who your teacher is? What is their rank?"

Natsume Chikage answered truthfully:

"His name is Kojima Yoshinobu, and he is a 7th-dan in Kendo."

"Kojima Yoshinobu? That 'Silver Sword'?!"

The few members of the Kendo Force exclaimed almost simultaneously, their faces filled with excitement and disbelief.

Shanshan Hideki clenched his fists in excitement:

"As expected of Miss Konoe! To actually move that legendary youngest, hailed as one of the strongest contemporary 7th-dans, 'Silver Sword' Mr. Kojima to provide guidance!"

"With such a master's guidance, no wonder Natsume-kun is progressing so rapidly! In this tournament, we might really be able to challenge for a top-ten spot!"

Kurokawa Akihiko also felt his fighting spirit rise and laughed loudly:

"Interesting, truly interesting!"

"But Natsume-kun, let me state first, my mentor is also a 7th-dan master, and his strength is definitely not inferior to your teacher's."

"Next, please be careful."

He knew his own strength was formidable, being someone who could almost become the general of the Kendo Force, so defeating Natsume-kun would be a piece of cake.

Natsume Chikage held his sword and bowed:

"Yes, Senior Kurokawa, please teach me."

Soon.

Kurokawa Akihiko knelt on one knee, supporting his body with his bamboo sword to keep from collapsing completely.

He looked up, his eyes behind the mask filled with trance and horror.

This Natsume-kun... actually defeated him, who had learned for so many years, after only learning for a few days?

This talent... is simply at a genius level!

Terrifyingly strong!

Meanwhile, Shanshan Hideki was already watching with surging emotions, eager to try.

He walked forward with a righteous look:

"Natsume-kun, your performance is very outstanding."

"However, I have already spotted some subtle flaws in your sword technique."

"And my teacher is also a 7th-dan person, with equally strong capabilities!"

"Let me state in advance, my talent is the strongest in the Kendo Force, which is why I serve as the team's 'General'; it can be said that even Yoshida and the others you just defeated couldn't beat me."

"Next, let me, as the captain of the Kendo Force, point them out and correct them for you."

"I look forward to your strength becoming even greater under my guidance."

He didn't expect he would have to step in himself; it seems his guidance for the members was still too lax!

To actually lose to Natsume-kun, who had only just started learning?

It's really too embarrassing; I'll lecture them after I defeat Natsume-kun later.

Being a senior, how could one lose to a junior?

Natsume Chikage bowed again, his attitude respectful:

"Captain Shanshan, please teach me."

Soon.

"Men—!"

Accompanied by a crisp shout, Natsume Chikage's bamboo sword accurately struck Shanshan Hideki's mask.

Shanshan Hideki retreated several steps, the bamboo sword in his hand trembling violently, almost slipping from his grip; finally, he used the sword to support himself on the ground to barely stabilize his posture.

He took off his slightly crooked mask, remembered the trash talk he had just said, and immediately turned red-faced, but felt even more shocked:

"Natsume-kun... did you really only start learning a few days ago?"

"Didn't you have a foundation since childhood?"

Natsume Chikage also took off his helmet and nodded affirmatively:

"Yes, I only started formal learning these past few days."

Hearing this, the few were even more astonished, which then transformed into even more intense ecstasy.

With Natsume Chikage joining, they might really be able to create better results than in previous years at this year's Tamaryu Flag!

Of course, they didn't even dare to think about "winning the championship."

They knew very well that this tournament was full of hidden talents, with several high school students whose talent was hailed as "monster" level, and there were even rumors that direct disciples of the "contemporary Sword Saint" were participating.

No matter how high Natsume-kun's talent was, he would likely find it difficult to compete with those geniuses who were already famous nationwide.

And beneath these geniuses, they were actually just mortals...

Sometimes the gap in talent between people is just that large...

But with Natsume-kun here, perhaps they could fight for a top-ten spot beneath those people!

Thinking of this, the few were also incredibly excited.

After all, the school hadn't entered the top ten for many years; entering the top ten would be a victory in itself!

Just as Shanshan Hideki and the others were immersed in joy, enthusiastically inviting Natsume Chikage to stay and continue joint training, Natsume Chikage spoke up:

"Seniors... sorry, I have other arrangements today, so I must take my leave."

Shanshan Hideki and the others were stunned.

Leaving just after arriving?

But they swallowed those words back.

After all, Natsume-kun's strength had already comprehensively crushed them; there didn't seem to be much point in having him stay as a "sparring partner" anymore.

The few looked at each other, their faces a mix of surprise and shame; remembering the "big talk" they had made before the match, they couldn't help but blush and feel helpless.

The situation was now very clear: Natsume-kun's strength was sufficient to take the team's most important "General" position!

In the end, the few didn't force him to stay, but said somewhat awkwardly yet enthusiastically:

"Natsume-kun, come by often when you're free!"

"Yes, yes, go ahead and busy yourself with your matters today."

"You've exercised just now, would you like to drink some water, eat something, and rest a bit before leaving?"

Natsume Chikage smiled: