My Gang of Swordsmen

Flat Cyan Eye Three-Stage Thrust… This is likely the name Toshisuke gave to this profound technique.

To be honored with the name “Profound Technique”, it must be a move Toshisuke is exceedingly satisfied with.

The name is quite dazzling, surprising Aoto slightly.

But as a certain memory surfaced in his mind, Aoto couldn’t dwell on the name further.

“Flat Cyan Eye, Unconscious Sword… Mr. Chokata, if I recall correctly, didn’t you say this new move of yours is still under development and needs substantial refinement?”

“Yes.” Toshisuke nodded vigorously, speaking with an unyielding tone, “You didn’t remember incorrectly.”

“Is that so… So does this mean your new move is finally developed?”

“No.” Toshisuke’s tone remained resolute, “Strictly speaking, this profound technique of mine is still very incomplete and needs much improvement. I’ve never used it in real combat, so I’m unsure if I can use it to force Chiba Daisaburo to reveal a flaw.”

“…”

Aoto, now silent, confirmed with his gaze toward Toshisuke.

His actions of course meant, “Is it really okay to use such an ‘unfinished’ technique…?”

…

…

——Will it succeed…?

At this moment, Toshisuke’s mindset wasn’t as calm and composed as it appeared.

Though trying not to think of such discouraging matters, strands of worry climbed and chained Toshisuke’s heart like shackles.

She had a strong confidence in the power of her new move.

Whether it’s the lethality or the application of Natural Reasoning Heart Stream sword techniques, it absolutely deserves the name “Profound Technique”!

However… regarding the fluidity of motions, this profound technique is undoubtedly a semi-finished product.

Not to mention exposing flaws in Chiba Daisaburo, Toshisuke isn’t even confident if she can execute it smoothly.

Despite Toshisuke’s attempts to control her thoughts, trying not to dwell on “Will it succeed…?”, “What if it fails?”… the effort was minimal.

These negative thoughts, coupled with pessimistic emotions, disregarded Toshisuke’s personal will and grew wildly in her mind and heart.

But at this moment——

…

(…Miss Chokata, you really love swordsmanship. To learn swordsmanship, you quarreled fiercely with your sister whom you see as a mother, even changed your name and hid your gender… Such determination, such love for swordsmanship, it’s truly admirable.)

…

With no introduction… these words, treasured like a gem in the sea of memories, suddenly echoed in Toshisuke’s mind.

Though some time had passed, Toshisuke still felt as if the words spoken to her that night were fresh.

Worry vanished.

Toshisuke still heard her heavy breathing.

Still felt the intense heartbeat that seemed to leap from her throat.

Her body was sweating profusely, every part radiating heat due to the severe battle moments ago.

Though her physical temperature was soaring, her “heart” remained quite cool.

Emotions were extraordinarily calm.

Until just now, her mind was disturbed by emotions like worry and distress, leaving the bamboo sword’s tip entwined with anxiety, but at this moment it completely disappeared.

——That was close, that was close…

Tranquil smiles gradually spread across Toshisuke’s eyes.

——Busy thinking about “Can the move succeed”, “Can I win the match”, almost forgetting the most important thing.

——There’s no need to overthink about these things.

——I just need… to fully enjoy the joy of wielding a sword!

Toshisuke’s eyes, now shining brightly, carried a peculiar gleam like they were cleansed.

At the same moment, within Toshisuke’s body… or more precisely, within her “spirit”, something shattered…

Yet Toshisuke did not notice this subtle change occurring in her “spirit”.

For at that instant, Toshisuke sensed Aoto’s inquisitive gaze.

“I will do my best.”

Perceiving and comprehending the message in the gaze Aoto sent her, she instantly smiled brightly at him.

“So in return, Mr. Tachibana, don’t slack off either.”

“Let’s give our all together, and win together!”

Toshisuke, whose mental state had rapidly adjusted, spoke with a voice and smile filled with unpretentious optimism and positivity.

For humans, only when in a very good emotional state can one show such a genuine smile from the heart.

Like the sun melting ice and snow.

When Aoto’s gaze met Toshisuke’s sun-like smile, his worries and doubts slowly dissolved.

“…Mr. Chokata, your mood and physical state are really good lately.”

Joined by Toshisuke in laughter, Aoto randomly thought this, blurting it out.

Aoto hadn’t expected to be inspired one day by Toshisuke’s carefree, childlike demeanor.

“Eh-heh-heh~~”

Toshisuke let out a peculiar laugh.

In the next moment, the two harmoniously readied their swords!

Toshisuke further lowered her body’s center of gravity, aiming the bamboo sword’s tip forward with the opening move of Flat Cyan Eye!

Aoto placed his fingertip lightly on the bamboo sword’s hilt, gathering power with a tense waist!