The first time.
Uesugi Tetsu and Ririko formally stood on opposite sides.
This was not their usual private sparring, training, or cultivation, where the outcome did not matter as long as both gained something.
Lose or win.
One would win, which meant the other would lose no matter what.
There could be no third answer.
Ririko wanted to win.
No matter what, she wanted to seize victory from Uesugi Tetsu.
Just like at the very beginning.
—Hearing the unexpected challenge, the spectators in the venue immediately erupted again.
Countless bewildered voices rang out.
"They're so close. Why are they challenging each other already?"
"No, it was Tokugawa Ririko who challenged Uesugi Tetsu... The latter clearly had no such intention."
"Exactly! There are still two people above them who have never been challenged. Shouldn't they be joining forces to take them on?"
According to the majority of the audience, the script now should have been for Uesugi Tetsu and Ririko to team up and claim first and second place in the Seed Battle.
But—
"This woman would never do that."
Though they were in different places, Kujo Obuya on the elevated platform, Hozoin Inrai in the audience, and Minamoto Shinsui in front of the television all thought the same thing at the same time.
Because this was a shared trait among a certain kind of person.
"Jin, watch closely."
Minamoto Shinsui calmly raised her hand and pointed at Ririko, who was leisurely loosening her wrist on the arena.
"This is a strong person—a strong person beyond doubt."
"Is that so..."
Kyūkōin Jin gave an unconvinced smile. "Shinsui, in my view, this Tokugawa lady looks more like a reckless brawler."
"I see."
Minamoto Shinsui paused, staring at Kyūkōin Jin for quite a while. After confirming that he truly meant it, she nodded