The Almighty Chuunibyou Expert

"That's right, Busujima Senpai is the strongest!"

"The strongest!"

"Invincible!"

This earned unanimous agreement from the other members of the Kendo Club.

Only they, who had always been shrouded in shadow, knew how unfathomably deep their club president's swordsmanship was!

The prestige of winning the national tournament was absolutely unshakable!

"Clang."

The large doors opened, and people began to enter one after another. There weren't many, only a little over thirty, but they were all well-known figures from the upper echelons of Shuchiin.

"I hope your Kendo Club doesn't lose too badly, that would be too embarrassing."

A short-haired girl wearing a beret walked past Kojima Hideo and taunted him.

This was his archrival, the daughter of the leader of the notorious Dragon Ball Gang, Ryuzou Momoko.

"So annoying!"

Kojima Hideo scoffed.

No one was rooting for their Kendo Club?

How ridiculous!

Did anyone really think that beating a few clubs beforehand guaranteed victory against them?

These people had no idea what a true powerhouse was!

And what true martial arts were!

52 Nine Solitary Swords

"Let me guess what you're thinking, Kojima. You must believe that as long as Busujima Senpai steps in, victory is assured, right? After all, even if Busujima Senpai is defeated in her specialty, swordsmanship, she can still secure victory using that restricted 'technique'... I can only say, you're thinking too simply. That man might be more formidable than we imagine."

Ryuzou Momoko brushed past Kojima Hideo and stood leaning against the wall outside the dueling arena, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.

It was precisely for this reason that today's match was not an open competition, but a closed challenge. Others would only know the outcome of the match, while only those present at the scene would know the process.

After waiting for about three more minutes.

"Are they here?"

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps from the entrance caught their attention.

Silhouettes against the light, Takanashi Rikka, Dekomori Sanae, Fujiwara Chika, and Nibuya Morika entered one after another, taking positions on either side.

"They're really putting on such a grand show."

Kojima Hideo said with a grim expression.

"Making everyone wait so long, Hasegawa, you're incredibly arrogant! Apologize to everyone immediately!"

"Don't think you can keep being so cocky! This is the Kendo Club!"

Several members of the Kendo Club immediately expressed their dissatisfaction.

As Shuchiin's most favored club, their pride was sky-high!

How could they tolerate such a challenger who showed no respect?

"Whoosh~"

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew in from outside, stirring up a light dust.

"Ten years to forge a sword, its frosty edge untested, today I present it to you... Who has grievances?"

A figure with hands behind his back strode forward, his face gradually becoming clear to everyone's eyes. His calm expression exuded an imposing aura without anger, and his ice-blue eyes held a sharp glint.

"Everyone, what dissatisfaction do you have?"

"All... ask my sword!"

Hasegawa Izumi recited the poem as he stepped into the dueling grounds. Then, with a draw of his right hand, the bandages on the sword behind him peeled away in an instant, truly revealing the Seek Defeat sword to the world.

"Consider it an entertainment, let me witness your swordsmanship!"

Such a posture, such a demeanor, such words were beyond mere 'arrogance'.

The Kendo Club members were rendered speechless for a moment.

"What... what is he doing? Why is he suddenly reciting poetry?"

"I don't understand either, but it seems very imposing. This guy really is as cool as everyone described."

"It's said that some ancient Eastern texts use poems to embellish the entrance of characters. Hasegawa probably thinks that way, right?"

"It doesn't matter. The point is, Hasegawa's actions have created a huge rift with the Kendo Club, haven't they? Doesn't he care at all?"

"Are you just noticing? That guy has always been this arrogant... But he has the strength, so what can you do? As for connections, it's rumored he has a secret relationship with Sawamura-san, apparently they're Childhood Friends..."

"That makes perfect sense now. So he's an excellent kept man."

The spectators discussed in small groups.

"Who's gossiping behind my back!"

Eriri's face flushed crimson as she muttered.

"Hasegawa, what do you mean by that?"

Kojima Hideo asked, confused.

"Isn't my meaning clear? If anyone has a problem with me, I welcome your challenge. You can all come at me at once."

Hasegawa Izumi chuckled and nodded to those behind him.

Takanashi Rikka and her group formed their own faction, closed the door, and went to the side to watch.

"He wants to take on our entire Kendo Club by himself? He's completely overestimated himself!"

"Since he's looking for death, we'll grant him his wish!"

"This is the first time I've ever seen a request like this."

Kojima Hideo turned back and conferred with the Club members, quickly reaching a conclusion.

Against such an arrogant person, there was no need for chivalry; they should all attack him together!

Even if they lost, they could wear him down and gather enough intelligence to increase their department head's chances of winning.

"Fine, since that's your request, we'll grant it."

Kojima Hideo gritted his teeth, raised the bamboo sword in his hand, and pointed it at the other party.

"As for the rules of the match, there's no need to make it complicated, nor do we need to wear any of that... The first one to fall to the ground loses, and whoever surrenders loses. That's all."

Hasegawa Izumi couldn't be bothered with their complex match rules and decided to simplify them.

This way, even someone unfamiliar with Kendo could easily determine the trend of victory and defeat.

However, this would only elevate the intensity of the battle to another level.

"Then let's fight according to your terms."

Kojima Hideo also made his decision immediately.

Hasegawa Izumi stepped into the center of the dojo. At this moment, the Kendo Club had also dispatched their ten most elite members, forming a circle and surrounding him.

Since it was a group fight, they should naturally leverage the advantages of a group fight; attacks from all directions would be even more overwhelming.

"Come!"

Hasegawa Izumi's eyes shone brightly. He lightly tapped the bottom of the scabbard with his left hand behind him, and the Seek Defeat sword flew out.

At the same time, he raised his right hand, blocking the flying sword. He even made it spin around his wrist in a flourish, demonstrating exquisite control, before gripping the hilt and pointing it forward.

Where the sword pointed, nothing could stand in its way!

Even before he truly attacked, this display was already astonishing!

"What sharp momentum...! What kind of sword will his sword be?"

At this moment, Kojima Hideo, standing at the front, felt his heart clench. He knew the outcome of this battle would likely exceed his imagination.

"Hoo..."

Calming his mind, he signaled others to attack with his eyes. He didn't intend to join the fray immediately but rather to wait for the opponent to reveal an opening, then strike decisively!

"Haa...!"

The ten members of the Kendo Club accepted the order. Not one of them showed fear. Gripping their wooden swords, they charged towards the center simultaneously in different stances.

"Good, you've come."

Hasegawa Izumi slowly opened his eyes. His aura suddenly shifted, exuding an indescribable presence. The hand holding the sword rotated slightly.

The opening move was--

"Nine Solitary Swords. Sweeping Sword Style!"

The man was wild, and his sword was even wilder.

Facing the dangerous situation of multiple sword edges aimed at him, Hasegawa Izumi locked his eyes on one spot. His feet instantly exerted force, and his figure vanished from his original position.

"Slash!"

Several Kendo Club members immediately adopted textbook slashing postures, demonstrating their solid foundations.

However, in the blur, a wooden sword arrived later but struck first, tapping the blade of one member's wooden sword, causing him to lose control of his opponent's wooden sword.

A strange vibrating force even pulled his wooden sword to the side.

"What!?"

The Kendo Club members beside him were greatly alarmed. Unable to dodge the incoming strike, their bodies made contact with the wooden sword, and a numbing sensation instantly spread throughout their bodies. They stumbled back several steps before falling to the ground.

"This... I didn't mean to!"

The Kendo Club member who had swung the sword was dumbfounded. He fearfully dropped the wooden sword in his hand to the ground.

53 days without giving birth to me, Hasegawa

Although the current situation was unimaginable, the remaining Kendo Club members who were surrounding him didn't stop their actions. With a swing of their wooden swords, they wove a dense net of blades.

Hasegawa Izumi had anticipated this. He stomped his foot, his body light as if flying. After a few flips in the air, he landed and simultaneously unleashed another sword move.

"Nine Solitary Swords. Lifting Sword Style."

This style was the fastest move within the Nine Solitary Swords.

His sword-wielding hand pointed diagonally towards the ground. Hasegawa Izumi exploded with speed, his body a fleeting shadow as he approached the closest person to him.

"Crack."

As soon as he turned, this person drew his sword to block, but he hadn't expected the strike to come so quickly. It hit his abdomen heavily, a force pushing him straight backward.

The person behind him was very close and naturally affected. As he subconsciously prepared to help, a wooden sword followed closely.

"Ah..."

In the blink of an eye, several slashes were delivered. No one could parry a single move, and they all fell to the ground, groaning in pain.

"Such a fast sword! Such exquisite sword techniques, I've never seen a sword like this..."

Kojima Hideo, who was watching from the side, looking for an opening to strike, was stunned. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

In less than a minute, the scene presented was a one-sided rout. The ten of them working together couldn't even touch the opponent, and he couldn't see any openings at all.

"Only you are left. Aren't you coming?"

Hasegawa Izumi scanned his surroundings, seeing only the groaning Kendo Club members, and then pointed his sword at the only person still standing.

A pair of cold eyes brought an incomparable, heavy pressure.

I absolutely cannot let him win so easily! At least I have to help the club president wear him down a bit.

Kojima Hideo forcibly suppressed the fear rising within him, gripping the bamboo sword in his hands tightly, and charged forward with his sword.