Chapter 52 - New semester and First-Year War [4] (2/2)

(…As expected of Rose, that’s a good reaction)

She immediately defended her solar plexus with her left arm.

There’s probably almost no damage to the internal organs. So there should be no problem with continuing the battle.

As soon as Rose made one rotation in the air and killed the shock, she assumed Seigan no Kamae.

「Kuh, as expected… so strong…」

「Rose too, that attack just now was a close call… Neither your cuts nor defensive movements can be compared to the time at Sword Festival…」

「Thank you… but, I’m still getting started.」

After that, we exchanged a flurry of intense blows.

「UOOOOOOH!」

「HAAAAAAAAA!」

The sound of iron colliding with iron resounded, and sparks danced around us.

As a minute and two went by, the flow of the match gradually, but surely leaned towards me.

「Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style – Lightning Sakura!」

The thunderclap-like Iai slash,

「ZA!」

I forcibly cut it down with a downswing.

「Kuh…!?」

And when her defenses dropped slightly,

「First Sword – Flying Shadow!」

「…Kuh」

With Flying Shadow which has a short launch time, I dealt a significant damage from a short distance.

「……」

「Haa Haa…」

I held onto Seigan no Kamae, basically unscathed.

Rose, on the other hand, suffered considerable damage and was breathing heavily.

The fact that I hold an advantage in this match is largely due to the difference in simple physical strength, and because I had already seen through her tendencies.

(Rose tends to unconsciously dislike performing the same technique continuously…)

There were three types of techniques already used in this battle: Sakura Flash, Evening Sakura, and Lightning Sakura.

(The next move is probably …)

Trying to turn this unfavorable situation around – she’s going to bring out that big skill that she hasn’t used yet.

Just then,

「Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style Secret Technique – Mirrored Sakura Slash!」

As expected, Rose unleashed the secret technique of Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style.

And in reply, I,

「Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style Secret Technique – Mirrored Sakura Slash!」

I met her attack with the exact same technique.

Four strikes from the left and right each like a mirror match – Eight unstoppable slashes collided violently.

The result was one-sided.

「Kuh … Kyaa !?」

My Mirrored Sakura Slash easily tore into her Mirrored Sakura Slash and dealt some heavy damage to her.

「Why… how…」

She murmured with a shocked expression.

「The difference between physical strength and direction …」

There is a big difference between me and Rose in the muscle strength that is the base of swordsmanship.

In addition, I had foreseen that Rose’s next move would be Mirrored Sakura Slash, and I unleashed my Mirrored Sakura Slash diagonally against her slash – in a direction to kill the force.

Power and direction.

It was only natural that my Mirrored Sakura Slash, which had the advantage in both of them, would win.

「……」

「……」

After that, the commentator spoke as we fell into a stalemate.

「Well, who on earth would have expected this would be such a one-sided match!? And if it’s not my mistake, Allen’s technique just now was the secret art, Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style! As expected, the Emperor of Evil! Do you steal the other party’s techniques too?」

E-Emperor of Evil…

(Haa… I… don’t care anymore…)

When I sighed in my heart, Rose spoke softly.

「Allen is strong after all… It’s frustrating, but in a pure swordsmanship match, I lose…」

Contrary to those weak words, her eyes were burning with a strong fighting spirit.

(So it’s finally coming…)

I raised my guard and observed every single movement of hers.

「But, I definitely won’t lose this match!」

At the same time as she declared powerfully, a strong pressure that felt like piercing through my skin was released.

(There is no doubt, Rose has already manifested it…)

And the next moment,

「Dye -〈Winter Sakura〉!」「1. TL Note: “Winter Sakura” is originally called “Higanzakura”, which is a tree – scientific name “Prunus subhirtella ”.」

A huge sakura tree appeared behind her.

A magnificent thick trunk that gives off a powerful vibe.

Blooming in full blossom – scarlet petals with a mysterious charm.

(…Beautiful)

The sakura blossoms were so beautiful that I could even forget the flow of time by watching them.

「―Gather」

As Rose whispered, the sakura petals concentrated on her hand – forming a sword.

A blade that reflects the light with a beautiful scarlet color.

Vibrant ripples.

Indescribable pressure emitted from the entire sword.

I knew at a glance that it was no ordinary sword.

「-Allen, here I come.」

「…Aa, come!」

The First-Year War semi-final – the battle with Rose has entered the final phase.