Sazanoko couldn't help but cast a gaze mixed with a hint of resentment towards Aoto.
But, at this moment!
Just as Sazanoko looked at Aoto with a resentful gaze, her expression suddenly froze, and she stood rooted to the spot.
For some reason, as she watched Aoto, who was smiling while receiving congratulations from the crowd... a long-buried memory surfaced and flashed before Sazanoko's eyes.
Three years ago, a man named Sakamoto Ryoma also achieved a stunning victory in a prestigious swordsmanship competition, cutting through the ranks with his remarkable prowess.
After claiming the glory of the championship crown, he too was tightly surrounded by people congratulating him, just like Aoto now... Back then, Sazanoko was also among those eagerly embracing him at his side...
Though Aoto and that man looked nothing alike, at this moment, Aoto's figure fused astonishingly with that of the man in her memory...
