The Heroines Want to Confess.

Very quickly.

The second day of the knockout matches arrived — July 31, also the last day of July, with gloomy weather.

The sound of cicadas, the heat of blood, and the roaring shouts of the contestants echoed in the gymnasium.

Just now, the quarterfinals had ended.

The semifinals began, Sakurai would go on stage as the vanguard, with a few minutes of rest in between.

Daimon Saburou and the members were discussing tactics on the sideline.

"Sakurai, actually I suggest you take the Taisho position to fight the last match — soldier against soldier, king against king. Their Taisho is a bit stronger than Kojima, and if your stamina runs out then…"

As the instructor, he was very clear about the importance of strategy and switching positions.

"I don't think I'm weaker than him." Kojima said defiantly.

A year has passed — if we don't fight, how will we know the result?

A member muttered quietly: "So unlucky, meeting Fukuoka Daiichi in the semifinals, they're last year's champions."

"And that guy still hasn't graduated yet — Murakami Ryu, 'Saigoku Musou' (Peerless of the West), in the whole Gyokuryuu-ki tournament he's never lost a single match."

Kojima swept his gaze around with a terrifying look and barked:"Losing spirit before the match even starts, boosting the enemy's morale — anyone who says that again can get the hell out of the kendo club!!"

He finally showed the dignity of a captain.

Originally, because of the addition of Sakurai Saki, he was very confident about this Gyokuryuu-ki, but now, meeting the enemy who had once crushed Shuchiin miserably in the last preliminary round, in the semifinals — saying he wasn't nervous at all would be a lie.

Especially in such a dangerous situation, having his own members say discouraging things.

At this moment, Sakurai spoke up:

"I'll take down at least 3 people, and as for the toughest one — I'll leave him to you."

His gaze shifted toward the distance — where a short-haired black-haired boy was surrounded by many people. He looked thin and weak, not like someone who practiced kendo, but…

Above the opponent's head, golden light flashed —

[Dragon of Fukuoka: This is a dragon baring its fangs and claws, beware his talons.]

[Peerless of the West: A title bestowed only upon the strong.]

[Child of the Dragon: This individual carries dragon blood.]

[Superhuman: This individual has surpassed the limits of humanity.]

Damn it! I knew it!

A mission that could break through my limits — how could it be that simple?

Luckily today the random ability turned out to be the "Title System," the very same ability Sakurai had once gotten during the last sports festival.

Otherwise, the boat might have capsized!

'A supernatural creature coming to play games with humans — do you have that much free time?'

Sakurai silently spat in his heart.

He completely forgot that he himself, an Esper, fighting ordinary people was just as strange.

When Sakurai looked toward Murakami Ryu, the other also turned his gaze back.

Their eyes met, and then the opponent's expression changed, gradually becoming serious.

In just a blink.

"Boom!!"

Outside the gymnasium, after a clap of thunder, came the sound of rain hitting the ground.

It was raining.

"Sensei, let me be the vanguard for this match." Murakami Ryu's voice was slightly hoarse — he rarely spoke much, and it was even rarer for him to make a request.

Instructor: "Alright."

On the other side, last year they had already won once. Although their lineup had changed a bit, their trump card was still the same person, and even stronger than last year!

"Actually, I suggest Murakami take the last match, it would be safer that way."

"No, there's someone very dangerous on their side." Murakami Ryu's voice sank.

On that person, there was the aura of that one — that deep and gloomy aura Murakami Ryu had only felt once in his life, yet it was carved into his memory.

One must know… that person never liked being close to men, even his own father had never seen her true face.

The plan would begin in a few months — perhaps there would be variables.

"But this time, for Megumi, I cannot lose." Murakami Ryu looked toward the stands.

There, his girlfriend was smiling at him.

To let a dragon participate in an ordinary tournament — of course, there had to be a special reason.

LOVE!!!

...

The sky gradually darkened, and the sound of rain hitting the transparent glass roof of the gymnasium echoed without pause.

Sakurai finished putting on his protective gear and glanced at his opponent, who was also walking toward the center of the match area.

Although he had already guessed this possibility, he hadn't expected the other party to actually choose to be the vanguard, just like him.

"Last year, Kojima's loss wasn't unjust."

The opponent was absolutely not an ordinary human. Even without using power beyond the limits of humanity, fighting Kojima would be nothing more than playing around.

Sakurai took his position at the starting line, raising his shinai in jōdan stance.

Murakami Ryu did exactly the same.

Inside the match area, it suddenly became quiet, leaving only the sound of rain going tap tap.

Due to a minor issue with the lighting system, the match would have to wait a little longer to begin.

"You… why did you come to participate in this kind of tournament?" Murakami Ryu's hoarse voice came from behind his face guard.

As soon as he finished speaking—

A loud cheer came from the spectator seats:

"Sakurai-san!!!! Go for it!!!!!"

It was Nino, her voice especially loud.

"…Looks like you're the same as me." Murakami Ryu lowered his voice: "You've also fallen for a human girl."

Sakurai: ∘ ∘ ∘ ( °ヮ° ) ?

Bro, are you sick or something?

Since when have I had anything to do with Nino?

Sakurai more or less understood — this dragon was here because he liked a human girl, and to win over his girlfriend, he came to compete with ordinary humans.

Speaking of "cheating," this guy today was the real heavyweight! That guy yesterday who only used a heavier bamboo sword was nothing in comparison!

"The lifespan of humans is not as long as that of youkai. Have you already prepared yourself for parting from a human?" Murakami Ryu, as if meeting a kindred spirit, bro truely started pouring out his pain: "My father said, we must not form bonds with humans, it only leaves behind grief."

Although Sakurai had nothing to do with Nino, he could understand that feeling.

In the future, Hayasaka Ai might not be young anymore…

"Looks like you've already prepared yourself mentally." Murakami Ryu noticed Sakurai was lost in thought.

'The ability to make someone not age, to be immortal… I think I have that, don't I?' Sakurai thought to himself.

"You… what kind of youkai are you?"

"…" Sakurai didn't answer.

You dare to guess my species? I'm human! Or more precisely… Super Sakurai Saki.

"That's true, you have ties to that distinguished one. Someone like me isn't in a position to ask." Murakami Ryu glanced at the lights nearby that were gradually coming on.

The two referees in charge had also stepped forward.

"But!!!"

Murakami Ryu's aura suddenly erupted, and all the doors in the gymnasium flew open at once!

Whooosh!!!

Everyone present felt a powerful gust of wind!

They raised their hands to shield their eyes, straining to look toward the match area!

"This is… a dragon?!" No one could believe their eyes.

——

Before Sakurai's eyes, behind his opponent, appeared a blue flood dragon (jiaolong), in whose vertical golden pupils burned endless fighting spirit.

"A dragon will not easily admit defeat!! Nor will it submit!!"

"Come and fight!!"

Beside him, a storm howled violently!

The rain outside the gymnasium grew heavier and heavier.