Chapter-05 · EP-075

Episode 75: Outside Instructor

Apparently, the First Swordsmanship Club used its ample budget to regularly invite outside instructors for swordsmanship guidance.

In contrast, it was very rare for the Second Swordsmanship Club to hire an outside instructor.

It wasn't an opportunity that came often, and I was curious about how serious swordsmanship differed, so I let Hikaru persuade me and showed up at the Second Swordsmanship Club after a long absence.

The moment I entered the club room, Murasakimura's face broke into a happy grin.

"Ichinose-kun, it's been a while since you've come to club! Did you hear about the outside instructor coming today?"

"Ah, yeah…"

What was it? Since the incident the other day, Murasakimura seemed to be getting closer. I didn't like being around him because it always dragged me into trouble.

"B-by the way, what kind of instructor is coming? The young lady wouldn't tell me."

I said, looking at Hikaru, who had come to the club with me. She smirked.

"You haven't heard anything? Then you should look forward to meeting them."

Apparently, Murasakimura wasn't going to tell me either.

They were building it up so much. What if the instructor wasn't all that great?

Actually, that second-year from the First Club, Hachinohe, had also claimed some fancy-sounding school, but he wasn't much. So I thought it was possible the instructor coming today might not be a big deal either. In that case, I'd just slip out and head to the dungeon.

Without swinging my brought wooden sword, we chatted while waiting for the instructor. Then the club room door opened.

Thinking it might be the instructor, everyone in the club room fell silent and turned around.

But the one who came through the door was Iori.

Well, Iori was apparently instructing the Second Swordsmanship Club, so she was practically an instructor already.

As I was thinking that, a young man followed Iori into the room. Was this the outside instructor?

"Hey. Everyone's here."

The man looked around the club room and said with a smile.

He had a solid build, moderate muscles on his arms, and his stance radiated a sense of boldness.

His first impression carried an air of being no ordinary person.

Following Iori, he stood at the front of the club room and greeted everyone.

"I'm Takigawa Kojirou, here as a special instructor to guide you all for today. Nice to meet you."

"Takigawa?"

I involuntarily spoke up.

"That's right. Iori Takigawa's brother, Kojirou Takigawa."

"Whaaat?!"

Had all the club members already known? I was the only one who didn't, and I let out a loud exclamation.

Iori's brother laughed lightly and explained.

"I heard from my sister that this club's budget is too small to hire an instructor, so I decided to take on the role for free. Well, just for today, as a special exception!"

Iori's brother was the active professional explorer she always talked about.

And the one who Iori, who was definitely strong, said was far stronger than herself.

I could tell just by looking. This person was definitely strong. Probably even stronger than the student council president, Kazuma Kujo.

"K-Kojirou-san, what level are you?"

I couldn't help but ask.

"Hey, hey, you shouldn't just say your level out loud. If someone knows you're lower level than them, you might get attacked. Same goes for skills and equipment. It's not something you casually tell someone you've just met."

"S-sorry!"

I felt ashamed for having thought the outside instructor might be a disappointment.

"Well, you're still students, so it can't be helped that you don't know that. Now then, let me see your abilities. My guidance will depend on your skill level. This club room is too small, so let's go outside!"

At his words, we moved to the courtyard.

Club members holding wooden swords formed lines and walked in step.

"Surprised?"

Hikaru walked beside me, smirking mischievously.

"Yeah, I'm surprised. Thanks for inviting me!"

I thanked Hikaru honestly. Hearing my straightforward words, Hikaru looked a little surprised.

Once we were lined up in the courtyard, we raised our wooden swords as Kojirou-san instructed.

"Alright, hold that stance. I'll check each of you."

Saying that, Kojirou-san went down the line, inspecting each of us holding our wooden swords.

"Hmm…"

Muttering comments that didn't reveal whether our stances were good or bad, he observed us one by one.

Then Kojirou-san stopped in front of one person.

That club member was Mei Kisaragi.

"You're unique."

"Huh?"

Mei was flustered by Kojirou-san's comment. At less than 150 cm tall, did he find it strange that the petite girl was holding a sword?

"Have you trained in something?"

"Well, um, I've received special training."

"I see. Your style might suit you. My guidance probably won't be much help, sorry."

"Huh? No, I'm sorry!"

The two had a somewhat incomprehensible exchange.

I couldn't help but ask.

"Kojirou-san, what's different about Mei?"

"Huh? Well, her swordsmanship is about erasing her presence. My family's swordsmanship is just what's been passed down, so if the style is different, the fundamentals are different."

"Eh? Really? Mei-chan, are you trained in something?"

At my surprised question, Mei answered with a slightly annoyed expression.

"Shut up! I have combat techniques I've learned to protect Hikaru-sama!"

"Huh, I see."

As I was impressed, Kojirou-san asked.

"Hikaru-sama?"

"Th-that's me."

"Hikaru is the young lady of the Kujo Duke's family."

Iori explained.

Kojirou-san said "Hmm" and then looked at Hikaru's stance.

"Relax your shoulders more. Loosen your grip too."

Hikaru corrected her posture as Kojirou-san instructed.

Curious about what instructions he was giving, I looked at Hikaru while still holding my own sword. I couldn't tell exactly what had changed, but I could see her stance becoming more relaxed.

Iori, also watching, observed Kojirou's instructions, muttering "I see, yes, yes."

"Well, that's about it for now. Remember this feeling."

"Yes!"

Hikaru answered energetically.

After that, for some reason, Kojirou-san didn't address the second-years, but when he looked at Murasakimura and Sendo, he gave similar posture corrections.

Finally, he looked at my stance and muttered.

"You're a different type again."

"Brother, this is my classmate Shirou Ichinose, who I mentioned before."

At Iori's explanation, Kojirou-san muttered "I see."

"Ichinose, right now you're a wild animal. If you put in steady training, you can become even stronger."

Not sure if he was praising me or not, I was confused.

But the words "become even stronger" made my heart race with excitement.

"When you say steady training, what kind and for how long?"

"Well, first, practice your stance for at least four hours every day. Do that for about a year until you get it right. Then practice swings every day for about a year until you get that right. Then you move on to sparring. With that kind of steady training, you'll transform."

The moment I heard that, my excitement from moments ago turned heavy and dull as I imagined the long, steady training ahead.