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The sequence of events unfolded just as Ryoji had expected.
Two years ago, Ayatsuji Kaito was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Faced with his declining health and the responsibility of supporting his family, he had no choice but to step away from kendo, retiring from competition to focus on managing the Ayatsuji Dojo and training the next generation.
Not long after his retirement, Kurashiki Kuraudo arrived at the dojo, seeking a challenge.
But Ayatsuji Kaito had already laid down his sword. No matter how much Kuraudo taunted him— mocking, provoking, even spitting in his face— he remained steadfast in his decision, refusing to engage in battle.
Kurashiki Kuraudo left.
A few days later, the dojo's students began resigning, their faces marred with bruises, their spirits shattered.
One by one, they admitted the truth: Kuraudo had confronted them in secret, forcing them into fights and then beating them mercilessly. It wasn't just their bodies that bore the scars—he had crushed their confidence, making them question whether their years of kendo training had any meaning at all.
In the end, every last student abandoned the dojo, leaving it an empty husk.
"What a despicable bastard."
Kanata frowned, her expression filled with displeasure.
The dim glow of streetlights cast long shadows over the quiet town, the distant sound of waves and rustling trees blending into the night.
Though the scenery was serene, the conversation was anything but.
"And that's not all..."
Ayatsuji Ayase clenched her fists, her voice trembling with anger.
"One night, he broke into our dojo— forced his way in— and once again demanded my father fight him!"
That time, Ayatsuji Kaito finally agreed.
The outcome was evident from Ayase's expression alone.
Kurashiki Kuraudo didn't use his Blazer abilities, didn't summon his Device, and didn't rely on Magic Power. With nothing but a wooden sword, he overwhelmed Ayatsuji Kaito.
"Mr. Ayatsuji probably didn't lose because of his technique, did he?"
Ryoji's voice was calm, as if he already knew the answer.
"...No," Ayase admitted, lowering her gaze. "My father's body was already weakened by his heart condition. After suffering repeated injuries from Kuraudo, he simply couldn't endure to the end… That's why he lost."
She cast a brief, surprised glance at Ryoji before looking away, flustered.
She hadn't expected him to have such unwavering confidence in her father's skill.
The Last Samurai—though a master swordsman—was, in the end, just an ordinary human.
If anything, he was perhaps the one person in the world who most wished he could become a Blazer.
With his deteriorating health, Ayatsuji Kaito stood no chance. Kuraudo struck him down with a single blow to the forehead, cracking his skull and knocking him unconscious.
So in the end, it wasn't just his heart condition that put him in the hospital—he had been beaten into a coma by Kurashiki Kuraudo. And for the past two years, he had remained bedridden.
"In the end, not only was my father gravely injured, but the dojo was also stolen by that bastard! I've gone back time and time again, trying to reclaim it, but…" Ayase bit her lip. "I can't even get near him anymore."
Her face was twisted with frustration, her resentment unmistakable.
She hated Kuraudo's cruelty—hated him for what he had done to her father, for seizing their family dojo.
But more than anything, she hated herself.
Hated how powerless she was.
Hated that she couldn't take back what was rightfully hers.
"So, are you really planning to go after that guy?"
Kanata's gaze shifted back to Ryoji's hand.
Resting in his palm was a student handbook—its design nearly identical to Hagun Academy's, except for the emblem of Donrou Academy stamped on the cover.
It was the very same handbook Kurashiki Kuraudo had tossed to Ryoji earlier, containing his current address.
Now, the three of them were making their way toward that location.
"This address… it really is my family's dojo," Ayatsuji Ayase murmured, her expression clouded with hesitation. She stole an uneasy glance at Ryoji.
"But is this really okay? I truly appreciate Nangou-san standing up for me, but… Kurashiki Kuraudo isn't just some ordinary opponent."
Of course, he wasn't. He was a national quarterfinalist Student Knight.
"Finding Kurashiki Kuraudo is just a side matter. You don't need to worry about it."
Ryoji spoke casually, as if this confrontation was nothing to be concerned about.
"I have other business to take care of when I get there. And besides, even if Kuraudo is strong… do you really think I'm just some ordinary guy?"
He certainly wasn't. After all, he had defeated both the world's third-ranked knight and the second-ranked fighter from Hagun Academy—though in the former case, the circumstances had been somewhat skewed in his favor.
Ayase was at a loss for words.
Only now did she realize how deeply the fear of Kurashiki Kuraudo had been ingrained in her mind. She had unconsciously built him up as an insurmountable opponent—almost as if he were the strongest in the world.
Little did she know, there were countless warriors out there who surpassed him.
"What do you mean by 'other business'?" Kanata asked, her curiosity piqued.
"You'll find out when we get there."
Ryoji didn't elaborate, leaving her in suspense.
Kanata tilted her head slightly, confused.
This was the first time Ryoji and Kurashiki Kuraudo had ever met. What kind of serious business could he possibly have with him?
"Well… I doubt this will end peacefully."
Kanata sighed in resignation.
She took out her own student handbook, hesitated for a moment, then sent a quick message to a close friend.
It wasn't that she believed Ryoji would lose.
After all, she had faced him directly before—and under nearly impossible circumstances, he had bested her. There was no way he would lose to a mere quarterfinalist.
Still, it was always best to be prepared.
The director of Donrou Academy had a rather notorious reputation, after all.
As they continued their journey, the cityscape gave way to a more traditional district, lined with ancient-style houses.
The trio followed the path into the mountains, eventually arriving at a quiet, overgrown area.
A large estate, enclosed by a weathered fence, stood before them.
"This used to be my home…"
Ayatsuji Ayase's voice was tight with emotion as she stared at the mansion, her teeth clenched.
It was unmistakably the home of a samurai family.
Once, it must have been an impressive residence—grand and dignified. But now, it was little more than a ruin.
The walls were crumbling, bricks peeling away. The pillars supporting the entrance had blackened with decay.
The grounds were littered with cigarette butts, empty cans, discarded wrappers—trash left behind by loiterers who had long since stopped respecting this place.
Colorful graffiti defaced the once-pristine white walls, symbols and crude drawings scrawled haphazardly across the surface.
"Sometimes, street graffiti can be surprisingly artistic—even worthy of admiration," Kanata remarked evenly. "But this? This is just the filthy work of thugs with no sense of taste."
"Am I supposed to feel offended by this?"
Ryoji's expression shifted subtly.
Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward—crossing the threshold of the ruined mansion.
(End of Chapter)