33 The Robot Girls Program 1.2 (2/2)

She felt pity for him. He may be strong enough to have defeated her but she didn't want to lose the memories of her late parents and her grandparents. She felt that they were the similar in a way and wanted to get close to him. Tomoyo didn't realize it but the seemingly emotionless girl empathized with Kazuya.

The thing she admired most about Kouzuki Kou in her grandfather's stories was that he didn't give up on his friends despite anything they experienced. He would never leave or even betray a person who he considered as a friend even though he himself would suffer losses. Tomoyo wanted to be like him so she decided to ignore Kazuya's rejection and show her sincerity in wanting to be friends with him. It did take a lot of effort and patience but she was successful in making him not ignore her anymore.

She was not disappointed. Not only did Kazuya give her motivation, he even spared his time to help her get stronger. She had finally found a friend of her own and was very protective of him. Tomoyo now primarily sought strength both to spend more time with him and also have the strength to protect him if there came a time that it was needed.

She was now up against the first person in their generation that defeated her. Initially, she looked forward to facing this person to see how much see had grown together with Kazuya's help. He was able to accurately identify her problems to wash off the shame she encountered last time. But now it was different. This person whose name she now chose to remember declared that she wanted to take Kazuya away from her. This of course was unacceptable to Tomoyo.

She took one step forward and Ayame's pressure was immediately blown away by an even larger force that burst forth from Tomoyo. She thrust her bamboo sword forward as the sudden gush of pressure dulled Ayame's senses. She refused to hand him over, not to her, not to anyone.

Ayame was shocked. She was able to see the thrust coming but could only tilt herself backwards hoping to dodge the strike. Thanks to her quick reflexes, she was able to avoid the strike. Before her eyes, the body of Tomoyo's bamboo sword appeared in a flash.

”Point Shiroyuki!” The referee raised the white flag in favor of Tomoyo.

The instant call confused Ayame. As the sword in front of her get retracted, she shuddered. Her vision was clear. She used one hand to touch her helmet but toughed her own head instead. She turned to find her headgear got thrown back a few ways behind her.

”(A precise strike with the help of her own aura. Looks like this robot girl's senses are much better than I thought. Her style is becoming similar to what mine used to be)” Kazuya gave a nod of approval towards the robot girl who was looking at him.

The audience was stunned. Not only had Tomoyo taken a point but she had done so in an unbelievable way. All of them wondered what would have happened if Ayame hadn't been able to dodge that devastating strike. A few of them were already a witness to the strength Tomoyo showed in the first match of the team tournament and weren't convinced. Now they did not doubt it, she had grown monstrously since her last appearance.

A tactical timeout was called and the judges went into discussion while giving Ayame time to retrieve and wear her gear. She looked at the mark left by Tomoyo's bamboo sword and frowned. This was not something she could take lightly anymore.

”(And that sudden pressure…)” She tried sensing it again but could feel nothing. She looked at her opponent only to find her looking at Kazuya who gave her a nod of approval. (It was you? Did you teach her how to use that pressure?)” Tomoyo had turned to look at the judges so she missed Kazuya's glance turning towards Ayame for a second before giving another one of his nods.

Ayame of course didn't miss that and grew even more confused. Did he really hear the thoughts she wanted to transmit this time?

”Contestant Shiroyuki, please refrain from using tsuki again. Although we do not usually prohibit it normally, your strike's strength is currently above the level of this competition.” the surprising call immediately made the audience discuss this with themselves.

Even the judges agreed that she was now on a level that surpassed this competition. ”for fairness, this applies to you too contestant Kuronuma”

*nod* Tomoyo gave a nod of approval and went back to position. Ayame wore her gear and did so as well.

Both of them stood still once more after the duel had begun. Ayame was now taking this match seriously. She focused more on her senses and unconsciously emitted a stronger presence. Tomoyo felt the pressure but calmed herself as she had been trained by Kazuya to get used to even a heavier type of pressure.

Of course, this wasn't the only thing Ayame was capable of. Kazuya knew this, the involuntary release of pressure is due to one's intense concentration. Ayame's earlier dodge proved that she was a capable competitor. She carefully closed in on Tomoyo who still remain rooted to her spot.

Ayame raised her sword upwards slowly and Tomoyo was immediately alerted. Her muscles contracted and prepared to parry as soon as the Ayame's arm moved for a swing towards her head. She had decided to give a quick counterattack after Ayame's attack.

*BAM*

”Point Kuronuma!”

The crisp sound echoed through the stadium. Ayame's strike did not strike at Tomoyo's head but rather her arm. She had successfully taken back the point that she lost. The game was now tied 1-1.

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