"Is that Totokubara-senpai's voice?"
Kurogane Ikki silently pricked up his ears, listening intently to the phone conversation.
"Wait a moment, didn't we agree that Raikiri would be our opponent this time?"
"Who agreed with you?"
Totokubara Kanata's icy voice cut through the line.
"You...!"
"Don't get too presumptuous, Lord Mamoru Akaza. The Totokubara Consortium and LeagueBranch have no overlapping interests or conflicts, but that doesn't mean you can force me to compromise."
Rich Lady Kanata's tone was unyielding.
Everything within LeagueBranch was under the jurisdiction of headquarters, with virtually no economic or political ties to mainland Japan.
That's right.
In all League member nations, the League Branch held complete authority over Blazer education and management, answering only to League Headquarters and not to any national government.
In other words, even the Prime Minister of Japan had no authority over a single Blazer within the country!
The advantage of this system was to prevent Blazers from becoming government weapons and to ensure they remained free from secular power. No official or businessman could interfere in the affairs of the Blazer Society.
This meant that even Totokubara Kanata had no power to meddle in League matters.
When Mamoru Akaza, a Blazer police officer, contacted her and pressured her to change her opponent, the pressure on her was immense.
To make matters worse, Akaza had already contacted news companies, promising a related report would be published the next day, a blatant attempt to exert public pressure on her.
Of course, this was also an opportunity for Kurogane Ikki. Whether he succeeded or failed, it would at least allow him to escape his current predicament.
Moreover, resolving disputes through duels was a method Kanata herself advocated.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she saw no reason to refuse.
In her eyes, Touka would never lose to Kurogane Ikki. While Ikki was undoubtedly strong, the gap in their abilities remained significant.
However, the situation had now taken an unexpected turn.
"The opponent for this match will be changed to Nangou Ryoji from Year 1, Class 1. Take it or leave it!"
Rich Lady Kanata's response was utterly domineering.
This put Mamoru Akaza in a difficult position.
If he actually changed the opponent to Nangou Ryoji, he risked offending the God of War's Disciple. From their brief encounter the other day, Ryoji seemed like someone best left alone.
His actions were decisive and ruthless, showing no fear of Akaza's status as a Blazer police officer.
"But if I pull this off, I'll get promoted!"
Mamoru Akaza's eyes gradually clouded with ambition.
While he had orchestrated the plan to use Stella against Kurogane Ikki, the scheme ultimately originated from the instructions of that man, Kurogane Yan!
Kurogane Yan.
The current Clan Head of the Kurogane clan, Branch Manager of the League's Japanese branch, and the biological father of Kurogane Ikki and his two siblings.
He oversaw all Blazer affairs in Japan, answering only to League headquarters. Even the Prime Minister treated him with deference. In Japan, no one could make him bow his head!
It was Yan who had instructed Akaza to resolve the "Ikki problem," emboldening him to act so recklessly, refusing to yield even to Shizuku Ojou-sama!
If he completed this Quest flawlessly, promotion was guaranteed. He would climb even higher within the League's Japanese branch!
"I'll take it!" Mamoru Akaza gasped, his breath coming in ragged bursts.
So what if he offended the God of War's Disciple?
At the end of the day, he was just a disciple, not the God of War himself. His power was limited!
As long as he could climb to the top, offending one or two of the God of War's Disciples was a trivial matter!
"Kurogane Ikki! Your opponent has been changed at the last minute!"
Mamoru Akaza turned, his eyes bloodshot.
A twisted grin stretched across his face, a mix of triumph and barely concealed panic.
"Your new opponent is Nangou Ryoji from Year 1, Class 1! He's definitely not as strong as Raikiri, but he should still be a good match for you, right?"
Kurogane Ikki fell silent.
His opponent had been changed.
Was he afraid?
A little, since Stella was involved.
But more than that, a growing excitement surged through him!
Ryoji was undoubtedly the kind of worthy opponent he had always longed to face!
As his final opponent, Ryoji was flawless!
It was regrettable that adult machinations had tainted their genuine duel, but this was also an opportunity to fulfill his long-cherished wish.
To finally settle the score with Ryoji, he couldn't have asked for more!
But why had Totokubara-senpai pitted Ryoji against him?
Kurogane Ikki felt a strange unease.
Unlike the others, his keen observation skills allowed him to sense the unusual tension between the two, hinting at a deeper connection.
However, this was something he couldn't voice, so he kept it to himself.
Totokubara-senpai's decision to involve Ryoji in this matter struck him as utterly baffling.
"Order: Branch Leader summons Kurogane Ikki!"
"What? Father wants to see me?"
Kurogane Ikki froze in place.
His father, whom he hadn't seen in years, the father who had treated him like an invisible man since childhood, wanted to see him now?
He knew it was unlikely, but a flicker of hope still ignited in his heart.
'Perhaps…'
'Perhaps Father has heard of my recent achievements, knows I'm about to become a representative contestant for the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, and has finally come to acknowledge me?'
Guided by a staff member, Kurogane Ikki walked toward the Branch Manager's office on the top floor of the building, his heart brimming with anticipation.
For a moment, even his heavy footsteps seemed to lighten.
...
Hagun Academy, Operations Committee Office.
"So, then it will be alright?"
Rich Lady Kanata hung up the phone and turned to the man standing before her.
Ryoji stood opposite her, having overheard her entire conversation with Mamoru Akaza.
"So, then it will be alright. Thanks, Kanata."
"This is just a small matter, but are you sure you want to do this?"
Rich Lady Kanata couldn't help but ask Ryoji, her voice filled with concern.
Since learning of Ryoji's plan, she had asked this question three times already.
That's right.
Changing his opponent to himself, this was Ryoji's own idea.
"What, worried I'll lose?"
Ryoji glanced around.
At that moment, only Rich Lady Kanata remained in the office; otherwise, they wouldn't have been conspiring so loudly earlier.
Ryoji boldly sat in Kanata's chair, scooped her up, and settled her on his lap.
"That's not what I meant..." Kanata protested.
She had complete faith in Ryoji's strength. Two months ago, he had already defeated her despite being weaker. Now that he had grown even stronger, she was certain he wouldn't lose to Kurogane Ikki. In her mind, Kurogane Ikki might not even be able to defeat Touka, while Ryoji was on the same level as her.
"But what if you lose? You'll be disqualified from the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival!"
A deep worry clouded Rich Lady Kanata's exquisite, charming face.
With his current strength, Ryoji was fully qualified to contend for the title of Seven Stars Sword King. Once he achieved that, she would finally have grounds to persuade her family.
"That's not necessarily true," Ryoji said with a mysterious smile.
"Who said losing would automatically disqualify me from the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival?"
"Huh?"
"I have a secret plan! Ha ha!"
Rich Lady Kanata rolled her eyes playfully.
"Also, don't tell Senior Sister about this."
"...I'm jealous."
"You tease! I'll make it up to you!"
(End Of This Chapter)
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