Dual Souls, The Other Half Is Bronya

"An unknown Demon? What are his intentions?"

Kurogane Gen had experienced too much deception to reach this point.

"So this is politics..."

Just then, a flash of lightning suddenly coursed through the building, finally coalescing into a figure behind Kurogane Gen. "Why are people like you always leaning towards conspiracy theories?"

Kurogane Gen didn't turn around. Sometimes, ignorance was bliss.

"Tsk, you're all so boring."

Byakuya leaned against the window, commenting casually, "Just consider me making an investment."

"Investment?"

"Yes, an investment."

The two hadn't even made eye contact, but it didn't hinder their conversation. Byakuya nodded from behind, then continued his fabricated story, "As you know, Blade Dancers have all sorts of strange abilities."

"As for me..."

He deliberately drew out his tone, continuing with his previous guise, "Even though it's intermittent and just a possibility, in a way... I can see the future."

"From what I can see, you and your son will fall out, to the point of cutting ties."

He said this in a very relaxed tone, as if this ability was nothing to him. "A newly emerged Demon is worth my investment."

"After all, you're his father~ In the end, won't he have even a shred of regret?"

"That's why I'm here."

Briefly stating his purpose, Byakuya figured he'd said enough and prepared to leave. "Could you do me a favor and give that kid a chance to see?"

He spoke in a purely declarative tone. As a Demon, Byakuya didn't need to negotiate with Kurogane Gen; it was in line with his status.

"...I understand."

"Then that's that."

After tidying up Ikki's situation, Byakuya nodded and once again transformed into lightning, disappearing from the building.

Afterward, Kurogane Gen sat for a long while. Once he was reasonably sure the other party had left, he turned around. "A Demon of lightning?"

"xxx, go to the monitoring room."

Kurogane Gen took out his communicator and quickly gave instructions. "Don't investigate, just delete today's surveillance footage. And the backups too. Just make sure everything is wiped clean, understand?"

"Understood."

Without asking why, the person on the other end quickly acted. Kurogane Gen put away his communicator and continued to overlook the city.

"Now, I will inform you of your next opponent."

Akaza was still playing his games. Ikki's determined gaze made Akaza particularly annoyed, and his tone carried a hint of mockery. "Raikiri, Toudo Touka!"

"This is your opponent for the final of the selection tournament."

He paused slightly, and seeing that Ikki remained unfazed, Akaza's expression twisted. "We, the Ethics Committee, also don't wish for the investigation to continue."

"If you want to prove your qualifications as a Knight, then win the duel in front of the public."

"A duel..."

Unlike in the original story, Ikki's fighting spirit was exceptionally high.

"Tch~"

Seeing this, Akaza became even more displeased. "You really think you can win, don't you?"

Ikki remained silent. He stood on the tribunal, returning a calm gaze, as if looking at a clown.

"...If you can defeat Raikiri, we will not pursue this further. Conversely, if you lose..."

Akaza drew out his words, staring intently at Ikki, but unable to discern any emotion. "A mere failed knight, you really think you can overturn everything."

"I'll be waiting for the day you lose your Knight qualifications," Akaza slammed the seat in anger and stormed off.

Thus, the inquiry ended inconclusively.

"Toudo-san..."

In the "little black room," Ikki recalled what had happened before: Toudo Touka's brilliance at the orphanage, her incredibly radiant will, it was truly dazzling!

"Using her strength for others? But now, I too have a goal to strive for. I cannot lose!"

On the day of the match:

"We have finally arrived at the final day of the Seven Star Sword Martial Festival selection tournament!"

The commentator was as energetic as ever. His spirited voice broadcast throughout the academy. "Today, in six venues, six victors who will earn their tickets to the Seven Star Sword Martial Festival will be decided!"

"Without a doubt, everyone appearing today is a powerhouse who has not tasted defeat in any of their 19 battles so far!"

"..." (A lengthy introduction is omitted)

"Of course, the most anticipated match is this one: last year's Seven Star Sword Martial Festival semifinalist, Toudo Touka! And F-Rank Knight Kurogane Ikki!"

"And unlike previous years, this match will be broadcast live."

"They really want the whole world to see his disgrace."

As usual, Ning Yin, the commentator, had zoned out. From the spectator stands, Ning Yin couldn't help but sigh as she watched the broadcast helicopter high above.

"That Akaza guy really did a bang-up job."

Kurono said, arms crossed, standing next to Ning Yin. "This way, the only path left for Kurogane to prove his innocence is victory."

"Finally found you guys." Just then, an old man walked in from the spectator aisle.

—The God of Combat, Nangong Torajiro!

"W-Why are you here?!" Ning Yin, recognizing the newcomer, was uncharacteristically flustered.

"Yeah, I'm here~"

"Stop acting young, you old geezer!" The voice was young, but the words were quite sharp.

"My beloved disciple is as sharp-tongued as ever~"

Nangong Torajiro, like any ordinary old man, slowly walked in his wooden clogs and sat in a row behind the two. "But that's part of your charm too~"

"C-Cute... Don't say such disgusting things!" Ning Yin couldn't handle these words.

"She is indeed quite cute, Ning Yin."

As someone who enjoyed a good spectacle, Byakuya certainly wouldn't miss this, appearing by the railing not far away.

"Do you want to die?!"

Her small fists clenched, shaking in front of Byakuya. She couldn't handle her master, but she had no such reservations about Byakuya. After all... they had a "life-and-death" bond!

"Teacher Ning Yin is as energetic as ever." Bronya then slowly approached.

Ignoring the playful banter with Byakuya, Bronya politely bowed slightly to Nangong Torajiro. "Greetings, God of Combat."

"My, my, young people these days... truly remarkable."

Nangong Torajiro could see it. It was precisely because of this that he couldn't help but exclaim.

"No, Bronya is still far from it. Speaking of which, Toudo-san is also your disciple, isn't she, God of Combat?"

"That's right, that's right."

Nangong Torajiro nodded. Just looking at him, he truly seemed like an ordinary old man. "She's one of my beloved disciples, so of course I had to come to this match~"

"Although she could have waited until the Seven Star Sword Martial Festival..."

"I don't think so."

Byakuya, having finished his playful antics, also walked over. "I think Ikki will win this match. What do you say, Nangong-sama, want to make a wager?"

"Heh heh, if the young man says so, what reason would this old man have to refuse?"

"Perhaps this match will be stopped midway~"

Abruptly, a sarcastic voice rang out, and Akaza's obese body squeezed into a seat—he had been busy making little moves while in custody.

"Chairman Akaza."

Kurono slightly turned her head, looking at Akaza not far away, her beautiful brows furrowing slightly.

"Yo, isn't this the ugly one?"

"!!!"

This voice... Akaza finally looked over, only to find that Byakuya kid mixed in with them! Impossible, just a mere student, "What are you doing here?!"

"Ugly one, did you forget I'm a doctor?"

Byakuya said nonchalantly, "The little tricks you played are nothing to me. Just watch this match properly, Kurogane Ikki will win."

On the other side, Ikki also saw everyone at the entrance. Shizuku, Oregi Yuri, Ayatsuji দৃশ্যা... even his classmates from the training class, they were all waiting for him at the academy entrance.

"Brother, you have to do your best."

"Master!"

"Kurogane-kun..."

Amidst a chorus of enthusiastic greetings, a smile involuntarily appeared on Ikki's face. And then...

Her vibrant red hair fluttered in the wind. Stella, having finished her match, rushed over holding her medal high. "Ikki! I kept my promise and became the representative for the Seven Star Sword Martial Festival!"

"Let's advance together! To the pinnacle of the Knight's path!"

"..."

Yes, a promise... we made a promise. Although she was still a little tired from running all the way here, at this moment, Ikki's fighting spirit grew even stronger.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting. The final match of the Seven Star Sword Martial Festival representative selection tournament will now officially begin!"

Amidst fervent cheers, Toudo Touka and Kurogane Ikki finally stepped onto the finals stage.

"I had my doubts before," Toudo Touka said, facing Ikki on the tournament grounds, recounting her earlier thoughts. "This match involved too much, and for a while, I felt this approach was dishonorable."

"But then..." Golden lightning began to flicker in her palm as Toudo Touka summoned her Inherent Gear, "Narukami." "Seeing you here, I realized none of that mattered."

—"I want to fight this person!"

At this moment, Toudo Touka's tone grew increasingly passionate. "My heart told me so."

"I feel the same way," Ikki replied. As he spoke, the radiance of his Inherent Gear flashed, and "Yin Iron" appeared in his hand. "Since we're standing here, whether it's for myself, for you, or for the people supporting me..."

"I don't want to shame my sword with this fight, so I swear here today:"

—"With my weakest, I will defeat your strongest!"

[Let the match begin!]

With a burst of electronic sound, Ikki's body erupted in a brilliant glow of Magic Power. "One Blade Arrogance!" If he wanted to defeat her without any tricks... he could only crush her head-on!