The Almighty Chuunibyou Expert

"No! We need to regroup first."

Busujima Saeko immediately slammed the ground, using the momentum to get up and flip in the air before landing.

This was a thrilling offensive and defensive battle. The constantly escalating attacks and speed from both sides were truly mesmerizing, leaving no room for even a gasp of surprise.

This was probably the quietest challenge the audience had ever witnessed. They had used almost all their energy just trying to follow the match with their eyes, and it was still blurry, like 1080p turning into 360p.

"Can you see any openings in my sword techniques, Hasegawa-kun?"

Busujima Saeko couldn't help but ask the question that had been on her mind.

"This is Nine Solitary Swords. The Sword Break style, designed to break all sword techniques in the world. Your sword techniques, Senpai, haven't surpassed this framework... though it probably also has to do with you not fully mastering your own sword style, Senpai?"

Feeling inspired, Hasegawa Izumi generously offered an explanation.

In his perception, for Senpai's sword technique to be fully unleashed, it was missing a special kind of energy.

In other words, this sword technique should be of an extraordinary level.

It was a pity that, within the current framework of this world, it would take some time to display its full potential.

"Breaking all sword techniques in the world? That sounds a bit too exaggerated."

Busujima Saeko looked unconvinced.

"Of course, it depends on the user's comprehension, and besides the sword techniques, other aspects are also important... Alright, enough idle chat."

Hasegawa Izumi's eyes snapped open and shut, returning to his arrogant demeanor.

"Senpai, your sword is too suppressed, conflicting with your consciousness. Your intentions are too obvious. With a sword like that, even without Nine Solitary Swords, I could block all of it. So, come on! Senpai, unleash it! Show me your true self!"

His words struck Busujima Saeko's heart like a heavy hammer.

"What are you talking about, Hasegawa-kun? Let's just continue our duel."

The Senpai, who always appeared calm and brave in front of others, clearly showed signs of panic, sweat dripping from her forehead.

"Then, let's end our match here."

Hasegawa Izumi suddenly sighed.

"Busujima Senpai, you've given me quite a bit of fun... I hope this next move will also be unforgettable for you!"

With that, he assumed a stance as if about to draw his sword.

"Moon Breathing. Sixth Form: Perpetual Night, Solitary Moon, Endless!"

Busujima Saeko didn't dare to be careless. Gripping her sword hilt, she unleashed her own sword technique in response.

"Life-taking, consecutive... Three Immortals Sword!"

In a daze, she saw a vision within that endless hell: a figure, sword drawn like an immortal, stepping forth from the moon.

The first strike was a straight downward slash.

Busujima Saeko swung her sword to block, but felt the force was overwhelming, like a mountain pressing down.

The second strike, he retracted his sword in an instant and followed up with a flick.

The wooden sword in Busujima Saeko's hand was immediately flicked away.

The third strike was already positioned at her neck.

"I lost."

As Busujima Saeko admitted defeat, her breath escaped her. The consequences of overusing her Breathing Technique and the injuries sustained during the match all manifested.

Like the aftermath of an adrenaline rush, exhaustion surged through her body. Her limbs felt weak, her vision blurred, and she began to fall backward.

This battle.

She had lost the honor of being the Kendo Club captain.

She had lost the prestige of the Busujima family.

And she had lost the heart of a swordswoman.

"I'm sorry... Hasegawa-kun."

"It's my fault for not being able to entertain you."

"Next time..."

"If there's a next time, I'll show you my true sword!"

55Today's winner is--

Seeing Busujima Saeko about to collapse, Hasegawa Izumi reacted quickly, gracefully extending his right hand to catch her by the waist.

He had acted coldly earlier because they were opponents, a form of respect.

Now that she was Senpai, he naturally had to show the demeanor of a strong individual.

Looking at her up close, Busujima Senpai's beauty, beyond her identity as a swordswoman, truly made him see her as a standard beauty with a proud figure. Her current battle-worn appearance, he had to admit, was somewhat tragically beautiful.

"Busujima Senpai!"

With the outcome decided, the first to rush over were the Kendo Club girls, worried about Busujima Saeko's safety.

"It's not a big problem, just exhaustion leading to fainting. A little rest will fix it."

Hasegawa Izumi handed Senpai over to the girl.

"Mhm, that's good to hear... Also, Hasegawa-kun, thank you for holding back."

Tears welled up in the Kendo Club girl's eyes. With a hint of respect, she sincerely nodded to him.

To an outsider, his exquisite swordsmanship displayed during the match merely showed great martial skill. But to an insider, it was possible to appreciate the unique beauty and style of swordsmanship itself.

"Wow! Hasegawa won!"

"Even Busujima Senpai couldn't stop him?"

"Could it be that times have truly changed?"

At this moment, a thunderous applause erupted from the spectators, cheering for the incredibly exciting kendo match.

Even those who weren't particularly fond of Hasegawa and firmly sided with Shuchiin couldn't help but admire him.

However, one person was exceptionally unhappy.

"That Izumi guy, he actually touched her! Even if it was to support Busujima Senpai, he still touched her! And he looked at Senpai with that kind of expression!"

Eriri bit her lip, her hands clenched tightly, fuming.

"Speaking of which, Shinomiya-san doesn't seem to be here."

Suddenly, she looked around, curious about the other person's reaction, but found no sign of her.

"Izumi-chan, another exhilarating victory!"

Fujiwara Chika and the others approached him.

"Sage-sama, your swordsmanship is so cool, death! So this is what a true kendo master is like? I've really learned a lot. Dekumori will also strive to improve in this area from now on, death."

Dekomori Sanae was visibly excited, gripping her sword in the air and swinging it wildly.

Even someone who wields a great hammer wanted to try it out!

"Even the Wicked Eye of the Tyrant King probably couldn't replicate such skill. This world seems more vast than I imagined," Takanashi Rikka said with a slight sweat, though she spoke with conviction.

Nibuya Morika shot a look at the two beside her as if they were fools, then turned to him. "Honestly, I've also learned a lot. Hasegawa, your swordsmanship is surprisingly superb, to have actually defeated Busujima Senpai! That makes sense now, no wonder your physical fitness is so strong. So you really are a master!"

This battle was the first time she truly re-evaluated her perception of Hasegawa.

This chuunibyou was actually a super genius, proficient in both academics and martial arts.

He was on a completely different level from mere nobodies like them.

For some reason, she felt a sense of inadequacy.

"I've always been a master, I just haven't had the chance to use it. If it weren't for wanting to spread the fame of the 'Far East Magic Society,' I might have even prepared to be a 'hidden powerhouse'."

Hasegawa Izumi put on a smiling face and replied in a joking tone to his friends' inquiries.

The girls felt a sense of closeness, not alienated by any disparity in strength.

"Hasegawa-kun, it's time for the interview!"

Ki Karen jogged over, raising her hand to remind him.

"Then let's go."

He nodded and left with her.

Today's event wasn't like before, posting news, but a radio interview.

Through negotiation, the News Department and the Student Council discussed and decided to use the radio broadcast to inform the entire school of the match's outcome.

Meanwhile.

Far away, abroad, the current head of the Busujima family also learned of his daughter's defeat.

"You've disappointed me, Yako... But even using a Breathing Technique wasn't enough to keep up with the opponent's rhythm? Hasegawa, could his swordsmanship have reached the level of a 'Master'? How interesting, the geniuses of this era are truly endless..."

He took a sip of the hot tea before him, lit the incense beside him, and sat back down, maintaining his sword-holding posture with his eyes closed to rest.

The wisps of incense smoke gradually filled the entire room.

"Hasegawa-kun, could I have your autograph?"

"Can we add each other as friends!"

"Hasegawa-kun, I'll always support you~"

As Hasegawa Izumi approached the broadcasting room, a group of girls, maintaining a certain distance, surrounded him, as if seeing their idol.

Clearly, they had all learned the outcome of the match.

"Quiet, quiet, quiet! Don't make noise, this is a critical area, don't cause trouble!"

Ki Karen couldn't stand it any longer and yelled at them.

However, her authority was clearly insufficient, as they didn't react at all.

"Hey! I, the dignified… Ugh!"

As for Takanashi and Dekumori, they had absolutely no combat power and were completely pushed aside.

"Alright, everyone, the school is waiting for news. If you keep this up, everyone will be very troubled, won't they?"

Hasegawa Izumi said in a gentle tone.

"Everyone, make way for Hasegawa-kun!"

"Don't touch me, hey!"

His words were successful, and the girls immediately moved aside.

"Huh, Hasegawa actually understands. I thought he'd arrogantly look down on these people to make them leave. Is he pretending? For the club's reputation?"

Nibuya Morika's expression was surprised.

"Izumi-chan has always been very gentle. Even when I always cheated in games, he would still indulge me and continue playing with me… at most, he'd scold me once."

Fujiwara Chika immediately stated.

Nibuya Morika's eyes flickered, and she turned her head expressionlessly, saying, "I hate cheating players the most."

Chika-chan blushed with extreme shyness.

"Uh, I just wanted to win against Izumi-chan once."

A very pale excuse.

"Hasegawa-kun, sit here."

Hasegawa Izumi entered the broadcasting room and saw the News Department president, Asahi Shizuku, who had already put on her headphones. She beckoned him over.

Soon, the school-wide broadcast began to play.