After a long while, Yu Sheng Nan spoke first, interrupting the two of them playing "Red Light, Green Light".

"Master, who is this?"

He walked up to Ikeba Shizuka, looking curious.

In fact, he knew perfectly well who the woman opposite him was. She was Tie Jian's mother, and also the rival that Ikeba Shizuka had lost to for half her life.

Um......

Thinking about it carefully, if it weren't for his appearance, Ikenami Shizuka would probably have lost for the rest of her life.

Ikenami Shizuka turned slightly to the side and introduced softly, "This is Tsubaki Michiko. We were rivals back in school."

Michiko Tsubaki's gaze swept over Nanami Hanyu, and after a moment, she smiled and asked, "Senior Shizuka, who is this?"

"Yusuke Kusunoki, my only disciple."

Chibo Jinghua spoke calmly, with a hint of pride.

In reality, the only disciple she truly acknowledged from the bottom of her heart was this treacherous disciple with ulterior motives beside her.

As for Kazuha, who also became an apprentice, she only decided to accept him because of Kusunoki Hanyu.

Yuzuru silently added a comment to his mind in response to this answer.

He was indeed a closed-door disciple, the kind who stayed at home until night.

"So he's Senior Sister Jinghua's apprentice. I watched the match just now, and his talent is truly remarkable. Senior Sister Jinghua, you've taught him well." Tsubaki Michiko showered Yuzuru with praise, but there was a subtle hint of provocation in her voice.

What she was implying was that your apprentice is indeed talented, but that's all there is to it; it's not because the master taught him well.

After all, someone's swordsmanship in the match just now was indeed subpar.

Pretending not to understand, Shizuka Ikebab replied calmly, "Thank you for the compliment, Michiko, but in this competition, Konan was still the better one."

Yes, she didn't teach well, but her apprentice won.

No matter what you say, I'll just say one thing: my apprentice won, and that's the truth.

Michiko Tsubaki was speechless for a moment, and her smile vanished.

Sure enough, whatever the loser says sounds like an excuse.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead, just as she was about to say something more, but Yuzuru interrupted, "Okita-san is indeed very strong. I only won by luck this time. With Aunt Michiko's careful guidance, Okita-san should be able to catch up with my current level in ten years."

Michiko Tsubaki: "..."

Ten years to catch up with the current level? What an arrogant statement.

Okita Souji, who came down from the competition stage with the girl, also turned pale upon hearing this, but he had to admit that he couldn't catch up with her level in a short time.

What's even more infuriating is that this guy's swordsmanship isn't even up to par; he's relying entirely on his amazing talent and brute strength.

Children may be vegetables, but they have plenty of strength and talent.

.........

Michiko Tsubaki left, taking her daughter, son-in-law, and the first failure of her life with her.

He walked away with such ease and grace.

Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. Since I've already beaten my senior so many times, what's wrong with letting her win once in a while?

As Shizuka Ikenami watched Michiko Tsubaki's retreating figure, she let out a soft sigh of relief, a sigh of relief that she had been chasing and trying to kill for decades.

For years, she had been overshadowed by Michiko Tsubaki, but now she finally got to hold her head high.

"Master, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

Yuzuru winked mischievously from the side.

“Silly girl, no one can win forever, and you must not become arrogant and complacent because of a temporary victory.” Chi Bo Jinghua gently shook her head, her eyes filled with endless tenderness. “However, I still want to thank you, Xiao Nan.”

"Hmph~ We're master and disciple, one and the same, no need for thanks." Yu Shengnan waved his hand, his tone firm, "Besides, with me here, from now on, I won't let you lose even once more, Master!"

The boy spoke these words with great pride and high spirits.

He may not have realized that this promise, made unintentionally, was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples on the surface of Chibo Jinghua's mind.

Chibo Jinghua stared blankly at the boy in front of her, momentarily dazed, her breathing became erratic, and her heart raced uncontrollably.

I never imagined that a young man's sincere words could move me so deeply.

Realizing her lapse in composure, she slowly lowered her head, hiding her face in the shadows, and also concealing the glimmer of emotion in her eyes.

Her mind was in turmoil.

...

Outside the Central Gymnasium.

"Nan, let's go celebrate!"

"Yeah, yeah! Let's go have a big meal! I know a really good restaurant nearby!"

The group discussed where to eat to celebrate in front of the stadium. After some discussion, they finally decided that Kazuha would lead the way to the restaurant she had mentioned.

The morning's matches have concluded, and Teitan Academy has advanced to the finals.

The other match in the morning, between Hattori Heiji's Kaito Academy and another academy, was completely ignored, with no one mentioning it, let alone going to watch it.

The final is scheduled to begin at 2 PM.

Before that, they could have a proper celebration.

As for who their opponent in the finals would be, they didn't care at all, since none of them could possibly be a match for their Nan.

At this moment, inside the restroom of the Wave Central Gymnasium.

Heiji Hattori was hiding inside, making a phone call to his best friend, "Kudo, where are you? After you get off the train, look for Naniwa Central Gymnasium. After exiting Shin-Osaka Station, take the bus to Higashijiri and count seven stops..."

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