Called Rei, with chestnut-yellow long hair, and clearly holding a grudge against Shido Koichi... could she be Miyamoto Rei?
Kenji speculated inwardly, thinking it was highly likely.
After all, with characters like Takagi Saya and Saeko Busujima already in the school, the appearance of Miyamoto Rei wouldn't be surprising at all.
Just as Kenji was about to speak and greet this potential "Miyamoto Rei," the two girls finished their lunch, stood up to pack their things, and prepared to leave.
The words already at the tip of his tongue were silently swallowed back by Kenji.
It didn't matter; he would just wait for another opportunity. There would always be a chance to get to know her.
After lunch, everyone took a short break. Kenji glanced at the clock on the wall; there was still a full hour of free time before his 3:00 PM appointment with Saeko and the others.
Seeing that time was still ample, Kenji called over Kirimine Moemi and Ichijo Yurika. He handed them several music scores he had written earlier and even sat down at the piano himself to play them once. The melody flowing from his fingertips was beautiful and moving.
The Musical Instrument Proficiency skill he had drawn earlier was now being put to great use. He didn't even need to learn; his performance level was master-class from the moment he touched the keys, making even Kirimine Moemi and Ichijo Yurika feel inferior.
The two women listened in stunned silence, almost staring blankly.
One must realize that others might spend a lifetime studying a single instrument and practicing hard just to reach a master's level.
But what about Kenji?
Piano, violin, guitar... every instrument that touched his hands seemed to be endowed with life. His performance level was completely master-class, truly breathtaking.
"I can only say, having cheats is awesome," Kenji thought proudly to himself, though his expression remained calm.
"You two practice these songs well for now. When the time comes, I'll hold a concert and have you perform on stage together to increase your fame. The company's resources will also lean toward you to give you more development opportunities," Kenji said slowly. "Additionally, the company is short on talent for voice acting, anime, and game soundtracks. As long as you have the desire and ability, I can create opportunities for you."
"Okay, thank you for taking care of us, President."
Kirimine Moemi nodded and said a sincere thank you.
She knew in her heart that the things Kenji mentioned were things ordinary people could never easily obtain.
Just for a proper concert, how many people would break their necks just for a chance?
Like those underground idols who work themselves to death, they might never have the chance to perform normally on a big stage in their entire lives.
"As for Yurika, go home a bit earlier this afternoon to accompany your sister and pay respects to your father. But remember, you have to come back tonight~"
Kenji turned to look at Ichijo Yurika, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness.
"Mhm..."
Ichijo Yurika nodded gently. She already knew the news of her father's passing, so after afternoon classes ended, she definitely had to go home to pay her respects.
But as for the time tonight, hehe, she absolutely had to come back.
After flirting a bit more with Natsuka and the others in the school garden and enjoying a moment of warmth, Kenji looked up at the sky and felt it was about time. He reluctantly bid them farewell and went to the school gate to wait.
After a short while, he saw Saeko and Miyajima Sakura walking out together. They were dressed in simple yet elegant school uniforms, looking exceptionally fresh and refined under the sunlight.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kenji-kun."
Saeko greeted him with a smile, a trace of apology in her eyes.
"It's okay, I just arrived too. Quick, get in the car."
Kenji waved with a smile, signaling the two girls to get in, his movements natural and gentlemanly.
"Where is Senior Sakura's home? Should I use navigation?"
Kenji buckled his seatbelt and turned to ask Miyajima Sakura.
"It's very close, no need for navigation. I'll just give you directions. Drive straight first, then turn right at the next intersection," Miyajima Sakura said softly, her voice like a spring breeze brushing against one's face.
Kenji nodded and began driving steadily according to the route Miyajima Sakura indicated.
The atmosphere in the car was relaxed and pleasant. The three of them chatted occasionally, but mostly they just enjoyed this peaceful time.
Miyajima Sakura's home was indeed not far from the school. In less than ten minutes, Kenji saw an ancient-style large mansion with green bricks and gray tiles, exuding an air of stability and solemnity.
"So Senior Sakura is actually a daughter of a wealthy family~"
Kenji teased, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
He had looked into it when he was buying a house before; in present-day Tokyo, there were no longer many of these large traditional estates.
Those who could afford to live in such a house were definitely from a prominent family.
"You're joking, Junior Kenji," Miyajima Sakura waved her hands repeatedly, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Just park the car at the entrance. Come in quickly, I'll go make some tea for you both."
After saying that, she stepped lightly into the courtyard first.
Saeko waited for Kenji at the gate, and the two walked into the courtyard side by side.
Kenji noticed that Saeko seemed very familiar with this place; every step she took was so natural.
"Saeko seems very familiar with this place? Do you come often?" Kenji asked curiously.
"Mhm, the Busujima and Miyajima families are old family friends, so Sakura and I are very close. I often come here to spar and exchange swordsmanship with her. Sometimes, Sakura's grandfather, Senior Miyajima Kiichirō, also gives us pointers on our swordsmanship," Saeko explained, her tone carrying a hint of respect.
"So that's how it is," Kenji realized.
Not long after entering the courtyard, Kenji saw a vigorous old man sitting in the yard. In front of him was a set of exquisite tea sets, and he was leisurely brewing tea while admiring the flowers.
This must be the Miyajima Kiichirō Saeko mentioned, Kenji thought to himself.
"Good afternoon, Senior Kiichirō," Saeko greeted politely, her voice clear and pleasant.
Seeing Saeko, Miyajima Kiichirō said with a smile, "Ah, it's Saeko. Here to spar with Sakura again... wait, who is this kid?"
The old man's gaze carried a bit of wariness as he looked at Kenji, seemingly assessing his purpose for coming.
"Senior Kiichirō, this is Junior Kenji, whom I mentioned to you a few days ago," Saeko quickly introduced.
"So you're the kid who beat Saeko?"
The old man's gaze seemed to become even more unfriendly as he raised an eyebrow. "Hmph, since you could make Saeko admit defeat, you must have some skill. Come, to the dojo. Let me see just how much you're worth!"
With that, he stood up and led the way to the dojo.
Kenji was stunned.
What's the situation?
He hadn't even said a word, and now he had to fight as soon as he arrived?
"Well, Senior Kiichirō has that kind of personality," Saeko said, giggling on the side. "It's okay, Kenji-kun, let Senior Kiichirō see your strength."
Since Saeko said so, Kenji could only shrug and follow the old man to the dojo... Meanwhile, Miyajima Sakura and her mother, Miyajima Tsubaki, had also finished brewing the tea.
Sakura carefully carried the teapot and walked over gracefully with her mother, a gentle smile on her face.
Saeko quickly stood up and said respectfully, "Aunt Tsubaki, sorry to intrude again today."
Miyajima Tsubaki gently set down the teapot with elegant and composed movements. Her lips curved up into a very gentle smile as she said, "How can you call it an intrusion? Saeko came to exchange swordsmanship with Sakura again today. As a mother, I'm more than happy that Sakura has such a good friend like Saeko~"
Then, Sakura suddenly tilted her head and asked in confusion, "Eh? Saeko-san, where is Kenji?"
Saeko gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "Kenji-kun was just dragged to the dojo by Senior Kiichirō."
Hearing this, Sakura immediately pouted and said crossly, "Grandfather is really too much. Kenji is a guest here for the first time; this is so impolite!"
After saying that, she hurried toward the dojo.
Miyajima Tsubaki and Saeko looked at each other and followed after her.
By now, the sound of wooden swords clashing—"clack clack"—was constantly coming from the dojo. The sounds were rapid and forceful, like a call to battle.
BANG!!
The two wooden swords slammed together, letting out a crisp and loud sound, before the two immediately separated to adjust their stances.
Miyajima Kiichirō's eyes widened as he looked at Kenji. The disdain in his eyes was gone, replaced by admiration. He said, "Kid, that Busujima-style swordsmanship you're using... did Saeko teach you? You've learned it very well!"
Kenji's fighting spirit was high, his eyes revealing determination and excitement. He said loudly, "You overpraise me! Come, Senior, let's continue!"
Kenji marveled inwardly; this old guy was indeed different. His swordsmanship was exquisite, every move and form perfectly executed. Most importantly, he wasn't bound by form; he had long since mastered every technique, performing them effortlessly yet with immense power.
This feeling was completely incomparable to Saeko.
Fighting such a person, Kenji felt his "experience points" rapidly rising, as if every clash of their blades allowed him to grasp something new.
BANG!!
Clashing once more, the two quickly separated, each looking for the other's opening.
Kenji had a sudden inspiration and began to use the Miyajima-style swordsmanship he had just picked up. His movements were flexible and his strikes sharp, momentarily leaving Miyajima Kiichirō a bit overwhelmed.
In the next few rounds, it was Miyajima Kiichirō's turn to be surprised.
The old guy stared with wide eyes, looking utterly incredulous. He shouted, "What? Kid, you already learned it?"
Kenji chuckled and said, "Didn't you ask me to spar with you? I'm just learning a few moves; don't be stingy, Senior!"
"You brat!"
The old man was so angry he almost jumped up, his beard twitching and eyes glaring.
Good kid, coming here to trick and steal techniques, huh?
Miyajima Sakura, Miyajima Tsubaki, and Saeko, who had just arrived, also witnessed this scene.
Miyajima Sakura nodded slightly, her eyes full of admiration. She said, "As expected, Kenji's talent is immense. He can learn it easily just by seeing it once..."
Saeko also smiled and said, "It seems Senior Kiichirō has finally met his match this time."
Even Miyajima Tsubaki looked at the young man in the arena with great curiosity, her gaze revealing intense admiration.
She thought to herself that this man not only had outstanding talent in swordsmanship but also exuded a unique charm that made people unable to resist looking at him a few more times.
The MILF Hunter effect was working; in Miyajima Tsubaki's eyes now, Kenji was both handsome and powerful, as if he carried his own light. It really made her heart flutter uncontrollably~
BANG!!
The two wooden swords clashed again. As this round of combat ended, the old man was already starting to pant heavily.
He was old, after all, and his physical stamina couldn't compare to a young man's. Coupled with Kenji's BUG skill of perfect replication, Miyajima Kiichirō felt like he was fighting a younger version of himself. Crucially, this "self" also possessed the experience and understanding of swordsmanship from his old age, with all sorts of tricky strikes that were impossible to guard against.
How was he supposed to fight this?
He couldn't break the moves!
BANG!!
The wooden swords in their hands clashed rapidly once more!
By this point, both had given their all. Especially Miyajima Kiichirō, whose stamina was gradually failing, making him even more eager to end the battle quickly.
Miyajima Kiichirō truly lived up to being a swordsmanship master. Every move and form was sharp and swift, yet heavy and powerful with tricky angles. The accumulation of years and experience had allowed him to reach his current height, something rising stars like Saeko and Miyajima Sakura could not yet compare to!
And Kenji also greatly surprised Miyajima Kiichirō. Every move of Kenji's was concise, combining long and short strikes with explosive power. His techniques for crashing, leaning, binding, and tripping were prominent, his elbow techniques were used in succession, and his lower body was stable. Even in the midst of intense slashing combat, there were no openings.
Every move he swung at Kenji would be perfectly parried, and Kenji would even find opportunities to launch counterattacks.
It was as if he weren't facing a young man, but a swordsmanship master with as much seasoned experience as himself!
Saeko and Miyajima Sakura, watching from the side, were now completely dazed!
They hadn't expected Kenji to be able to go toe-to-toe with Senior Miyajima Kiichirō. Not only was he not at a disadvantage, but he could even take the initiative to attack, forcing Miyajima Kiichirō to expend energy to respond.
Had Kenji's skill already reached the level of a swordsmanship master?
"Sakura, who do you think will win in the end between Junior Kenji and Senior Kiichirō?"
Saeko turned her head slightly, leaning close to Miyajima Sakura and asking in a low voice.
"Win...?"
Miyajima Sakura murmured softly, her originally certain expression now tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
...
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