Ooka Momiji's Gradual Change

"Fujino- kun, what's wrong with you...?"

Ooka Momiji's arm was grabbed, her body trembled slightly, and a wave of shock rippled across her face, revealing a look of confusion.

"Hey, Momiji, do you think it's meaningful to win by using external forces to interfere with the opponent?"

Fujino Sumi's dark eyes met the other's blue eyes, and he asked in a deep voice.

"Significance..."

Ooka Momiji frowned slightly.

She naturally realized that she seemed to have angered Fujino.

However, she didn't quite understand why he was angry with her.

Fujino naturally noticed the confusion in her eyes.

For a noble lady, this approach might not be problematic at all.

Fujino also prefers this kind of "dimensional reduction attack" approach to deal with some troublesome things.

But not today.

He wanted to use Okita Soji to test his own strength.

Moreover, the victory or defeat used to prove one's strength cannot be won through external forces.

"Momiji, I remember you were the champion of karuta and were hailed as the next Karuta Queen. If you encounter a strong opponent in a karuta competition, would you also win in this way?"

As he spoke, Fujino's eyes revealed a resolute look, and he said seriously, "I think that in the face of a formidable opponent, only by defeating them honorably can one truly prove one's strength. Otherwise, it's all just meaningless self-entertainment."

"... Defeat the opponent fairly and squarely?"

Ooka Momiji blinked, seeing Fujino looking so serious for the first time so close.

She simply felt that it was enough for Fujino to win; she didn't think too much about it.

Looking back now, she really didn't consider the other person's feelings...

If it were her, she would definitely be very angry too.

"I see!"

After a moment's thought, Ooka Momiji's eyes also hardened. "In that case, my future husband, use your strength to defeat that kendo kid fair and square!"

"Hmm... Ah... It's good that you understand."

Fujino was speechless for a moment, feeling that it was a bit too enthusiastic.

The terms "Danna-sama" and the like can actually be omitted...

It's pretty cheesy to listen to.

Naniwa Central Gymnasium.

The venue was surrounded by students from various schools, as well as visiting family members. This kendo tournament, which I heard was called the Kinki Kendo Tournament, seemed to be quite popular.

Fujino didn't quite understand the rules of Kendo. After all, he only practiced swordsmanship to improve his own strength. Apart from the rank promotion matches, this was his first time playing in a competition.

The students from Teitan High School sat in a corner of the venue, blending perfectly with the surrounding high schools in the Kansai region.

Ran, Conan, Ai Haibara, Ai Haibara Akemi Miyano, and the Shimo-Kasa Sisters, who had come to visit, were sitting in the audience seats.

On the other side, Hattori Shizuka and Toyama Kazuha, two people Fujino knew, were sitting there, while Ooka Momiji was at Izumi Shin High School.

"One serving of noodles, please!"

The referee on the field raised his red flag and announced the result, "Kaibara High School has been hit in the face once, scoring one point!"

"Great!"

Kazuha stood up excitedly, "With three wins and one draw, we'll definitely make it to the semi-finals this year!"

"Yes..."

Sitting to the side, Hattori Shizuka, dressed in a gray kimono, nodded slightly. "This year, the team has sent out strong players, so winning the team competition should be no problem at all."

"Auntie, it's not too late to talk about this after you see our general."

Toyama Kazuha sat down and laughed, "Heiji's strength is so great that even demons would give way!"

"Is Heiji the captain this year?"

Hattori Shizuka was taken aback. "That child has never mentioned this at home."

"Didn't he mention it?"

Kazuha frowned. "What on earth are you thinking about?"

"Please, the captain of Teitan High School, step forward!"

"Please, Tokiwa High School Commander, step forward!"

At that moment, the referee's shout came from the field.

"They've made their entrance!"

Upon hearing this, Toyama Kazuha looked towards the arena and said, "Besides Heiji, Teitan High School is also participating in this competition this year, and their captain is Fujino- kun!"

"That kid Fujino?"

Hattori Shizuka frowned upon hearing this. "If that's the case, I'm afraid Kaibara High School will have a rival this year. Heiji alone is probably no match for Fujino."

"Yes."

Kazuha nodded. "Teitan has performed very well in previous years. With Fujino- kun's support this year, they are probably the dark horse to win the championship."

"General of the Kaibara High School, please step forward!"

"Heiji has arrived!"

Toyama Kazuha looked towards the arena upon hearing the sound, but instead saw someone with the name "Aine" hanging in front of them. "Huh? Why isn't it Heiji?"

"He should be over there..."

Hattori Shizuka spotted Hattori Heiji in the crowd at a glance.

On the other side of the field.

Fujino was already wearing black protective gear, with a belt bearing the name "Fujino" hanging in front of him.

Meanwhile, the opposing team, Tokiwa High School, fielded an opponent named Kamijo.

"With three wins and one loss, this game is meaningless..."

Fujino took a deep breath, raised his Wooden Sword, and looked directly at Kamijo opposite him. "Let's end this battle as soon as possible."

"The match begins!"

With the referee's whistle.

"Boom!"

Fujino darted out quickly, transforming into a black shadow and appearing behind Kamijo as if in a flash. He swung his Wooden Sword and smashed it hard against the back of Kamijou's head.

"Bang!"

It was accompanied by a crisp sound.

The opponent's helmet turned into a black shadow, forming a perfect curve in mid-air before falling to the ground.

The Wooden Sword in Fujino's hand shattered with a sound.

"The player has lost consciousness!"

The referee quickly went over to check on Kamijo, who had been knocked to the ground by a blow, and confirmed that he was not dead. He then stood up, raised the red flag in his hand, and shouted, "Winner: Teitan High School!"

"Well..."

Fujino looked at the Wooden Sword in his hand and sighed, "The quality is really bad."

As Fujino achieved a crushing victory, cheers erupted throughout the venue.

Meanwhile, in the stands of Kyoto Izumi Shin High School.

"The first match was won very easily. No wonder Miss Momiji has taken a liking to him."

Iori Muga knelt in the aisle of the audience seats, with a small food cart beside her, which was filled with snacks and tea.

"Of course."

Ooka Momiji held a cup of black tea and, as if it were expected, took a small sip.

"However, there is one player in this match who is stronger than anyone else."

Iori Muga calmly stated, "Based on my observation of Fujino, I might lose if I were to face him... Miss Momiji, would you like to..."

"Unnecessary."

Ooka Momiji's tone was decisive. She placed the teacup on the food cart and smiled slightly. "I believe he can defeat Okita with his own strength. After all, he said that only by defeating the opponent fairly can he prove his strength."

"I was too talkative."

Iori Muga nodded slightly.

He raised his eyes and a glint of light flashed in them as he looked at Fujino, who was preparing to leave.

In his view, his young lady had recently undergone a significant change and was being subtly influenced by the other party.

As a butler, he had no right to judge the quality of his master's household.

But he felt that this change was definitely not a bad thing.