Chapter 140: Returning Home (Long Chapter)
After the awards ceremony, there were still various matters to attend to, but aside from the press conference, the rest of the logistical details were left in the hands of Director Okazawa.
At the press conference, Hachiman, Shuji Kitahara, and Yukari Fukuzawa stood together, facing a barrage of questions from the reporters.
The venue was right there in the arena. Camera flashes flickered incessantly under the watchful gaze of the audience. Hachiman and Shuji Kitahara spoke with practiced ease, whereas Yukari Fukuzawa's face was slightly flushed as she stammered through her words, looking painfully shy.
One reporter asked, "Kitahara-kun, Hikigaya-kun, if you two meet again next year, who do you think will take the final championship?"
The moment the question left the reporter's mouth, the chatter from the journalists and the audience died down instantly. Everyone pricked up their ears, their faces practically screaming, 'I'm dying to know the answer.'
Hachiman and Shuji Kitahara exchanged a glance. Both could see the fighting spirit and the refusal to back down in each other's eyes. However, Shuji Kitahara glanced at Yukari Fukuzawa beside him and shook his head toward the reporter. "I'd like to know that myself, but we won't find out until we actually compete next year. I'm sorry, but I can't really answer that question."
In truth, he was thinking to himself that he might not even participate in the Gyokuryu-ki next year. It's just that losing this time... well, it actually felt quite frustrating. He'd just have to see.
Disappointment clouded the reporters' eyes. 'I'm sorry'—how was that any different from not answering at all?
They turned their expectant gazes toward Hachiman, the genius disciple of the Kendo champion. They hoped he might drop some shocking statement or issue a bold challenge.
Unfortunately for them, they had guessed wrong again.
Hachiman saw the look on their faces and knew exactly what they were fishing for. He shook his head with a small smile. "Sorry, but I share the same sentiment as Kitahara-kun. Matters regarding next year will only be known next year."
The reporter didn't give up, pressing further. "During your match earlier, both of you were clearly exhausted. If you were both at your peak and fought once more, who would win? Hikigaya-kun, do you think you could secure a revenge victory? Or would you lose to Kitahara-kun again? What are your thoughts?"
Hearing this, Shuji Kitahara's brow furrowed slightly. He was about to speak, but Hachiman, who had been smiling until then, suddenly let his expression drop. His eyes sharpened, fixing the reporter with a cold stare.
"You there, mind telling me your name?"
The reporter's expression shifted uneasily, but he tilted his chin up stubbornly. "Nakata Koji. Does Hikigaya-kun have some pointers for me?"
"I wouldn't dare give pointers..."
Hachiman shook his head, his eyes narrowing once more. His tone turned frigid, making it clear to everyone present that he was genuinely annoyed. "It's just that the Gyokuryu-ki is a sporting event. We advocate for the spirit of Bushido, not displays of bravado or violence. In the arena, we can fight to our heart's content, but outside the arena, we are still students and law-abiding citizens..."
Nakata Koji's face turned sour after being lectured, but before he could say a word, Hachiman spoke again. "Reporter Nakata, by asking that question, may I assume you are trying to incite conflict between Kitahara-kun and myself? Are you trying to stir up animosity?"
The questions themselves weren't necessarily the problem, but they shouldn't be rooted in a deliberate attempt to cause friction and drama.
If he and Shuji Kitahara were truly hot-headed youths who didn't know any better, a single wrong answer would have guaranteed that these reporters would spend the next few days churning out mountains of clickbait, perhaps even sparking a real feud between the two.
Akishin had already told Hachiman that many influential figures were present at the arena today and that he needed to answer carefully. Their influence after the Gyokuryu-ki had already surpassed that of ordinary stars; a few words were enough to trigger significant consequences or even draw the ire of some high-profile individuals...
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were minor celebrities now.
But at the end of the day, they were still high school students.
Faced with such ill-intentioned questions, Hachiman chose to shut them down immediately using the weight of moral principles.
As Hachiman's words hung in the air, Nakata Koji felt the angry glares of countless spectators. He shrank back instinctively and happened to glance toward Akishin, only to find Akishin watching him with an unfriendly gaze.
In Japan, the media might brazenly criticize celebrities or even the Prime Minister, but they wouldn't dare insult a 'Meijin'—a master or person of renown.
As mentioned before, due to the Japanese cultural inclination toward worshipping the strong, the status of a master was incredibly high. They were essentially beyond reproach. Even if they did something slightly questionable, they wouldn't be hated—take a certain Dazai, for example...
Of course, a person of renown also shouldn't go out of their way to disgrace themselves.
Usually, what reporters feared most was a master. Once targeted by one, a reporter's career was essentially over, and they might even drag down the company behind them. Even conglomerates, while not exactly afraid of masters, wouldn't go looking for trouble with them.
The surrounding reporters, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, all distanced themselves from Nakata Koji. He was left standing alone. Despite the crowded venue, a clear one-meter gap formed around him.
Nakata Koji looked left and right, then looked back up at Hachiman. He hurriedly apologized and fled the scene.
It seemed his career as a reporter wouldn't be lasting much longer.
After the Nakata Koji incident, every other reporter took it as a warning. The remaining questions became significantly softer and more polite.
"That guy is really impressive..."
Yukari Fukuzawa murmured softly, her innocent eyes drifting toward Hachiman. Shuji Kitahara, standing beside her, caught the remark and felt a small, uncomfortable prick of jealousy in his chest.
Finally, when a reporter asked who Shuji Kitahara's teacher was to have made him so skilled, Kitahara stammered. He eventually said it was the father of Yukari beside him, Naotaka Fukuzawa. He added, however, that the man in question had long since passed out and was currently unconscious...
Hachiman heard this and turned his head in surprise. That tone of voice—why did it sound exactly like the way he spoke when he was trying to dodge a question, deflect, or more accurately, when he was lying?
The influential figures in the audience, hearing the name Naotaka Fukuzawa, felt puzzled. Who was that? They'd never heard of him. Was he some sort of hidden Kendo master?
They made a mental note to look into this 'Kendo expert.'
...
The press conference concluded perfectly.
The interviewees were satisfied, the reporters were satisfied, and the strength Hachiman had displayed had already become a trending topic.
A very interesting topic at that.
Back at the hotel, Hachiman slept soundly for another night, fully recovering the energy he had depleted. During a meal, Akishin asked, "Do you all want to head home quickly, or stay and play for a bit before we go?
If you want to head back fast, we can leave tomorrow. The principal has already prepared a welcome party for us. But if you want to have some fun, we can stay one more day. The Hakata Amusement Park nearby is quite famous."
Hachiman and Masaru Mizukawa's group of four looked at each other, then at Saika and Zaimokuza. Finally, Hachiman asked, "What do the girls think?"
They were in a private room, but the boys and girls were eating in separate areas.
Akishin narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled. "They said it's up to you guys."
"In that case..."
Hachiman looked back at the group. He knew they were all waiting for his answer. Though he still felt a bit out of his element, he replied with a smile, "...Let's stay and play for one more day."
Back when he had gone out with Yui and Yukino, Yui had mentioned Hakata Amusement Park with a longing look in her eyes. Even though Yukino and Haruno hadn't said much, their expressions betrayed a similar desire to go.
Besides...
Judging by Akishin's tone, Hachiman knew his teacher wanted him to choose to stay. If he chose to go home, he predicted he'd be thrown right back into another hellish training routine.
Hachiman had become quite adept at reading those signs.
...
That evening, Akishin took Hachiman to a famous shop with a deep traditional atmosphere to meet many big names from the Kendo world, including Tsuyoshi Suzuki and the other two masters.
Shuji Kitahara was also there, brought along by his school's director.
It could be said without a doubt that both of them had secured significant connections within the Kendo world. Those masters believed that once the two of them reached adulthood, one of them would likely become the next 'Masahiro Miyazaki.'
...
The next day, the sunlight was brilliant, and fluffy clouds drifted lazily through the sky, allowed themselves to be nudged by a gentle breeze. The ornamental trees lining the streets were lush and green, displaying the final prosperity of summer.
A few small dogs ran past, followed by children laughing and chasing after them. The freezers in the convenience stores were packed with ice cream, making the peak of summer feel sweet...
"Shizuka-chan, why go home so early? Didn't you want to play a bit longer?"
Akishin and Shizuka were each holding a small tub of ice cream. They chatted as they ate, feeling the sweet cold spread through their mouths.
Much like their itinerary that afternoon, they had no specific destination, simply following the path wherever it led.
Shizuka wore a sweet smile, counting the tiles on the ground and hopping along like a young girl who had suddenly grown up but still held onto a sense of pure joy.
At a time like this, it was impossible to feel annoyed, even if one wanted to.
Indeed, they had just left Hakata Amusement Park. They had only ridden the carousel before heading out. It was Shizuka who had wanted to leave, while Hachiman and the others were still inside playing. All expenses were still covered by the school.
Hearing Akishin's question, Shizuka bit the ice cream spoon in her mouth and shook her head slightly with a gentle smile. "I don't really want to play anymore. Maybe I used to want to, and I was really looking forward to it when we left, but once I actually got there, I realized there wasn't really anything for me to play. Those things just don't spark my interest anymore. Chishima-kun, I think I've grown old."
She stopped pretending and spoke her true thoughts softly. She was a gentle person at heart, one who just preferred to use a strong exterior to shield herself and an optimistic personality to decorate her life.
She rejected the closeness of others, yet desired to be treated naturally. She was a greedy woman.
Only in front of this man could she feel completely at ease showing her true self and offering her best gentleness.
Akishin spoke in a soft voice, "Shizuka-chan, that's not being old. Your heart has just matured."
"Haha, then how is that any different from being old?"
"It's different. Shizuka-chan, you are always the most beautiful and the most pleasant to look at. Look over there..."
Shizuka looked toward a glass window on the side of the street. In the reflection, a woman in a white dress stood gracefully. Beneath her straight black hair was a face as white as snow, with pupils as dark as a deep abyss, and pink lips that looked a bit mischievous as she bit down on her ice cream spoon...
There truly were no signs of aging—just a blend of youth and maturity. Of course, this was the image through Akishin's eyes.
To Shizuka herself, she was still just her, except...
She realized she was actually still young.
Shizuka's face flushed, and her eyes crinkled into crescents. Her pace slowed until she was walking side-by-side with Akishin. She took another large spoonful of ice cream.
"That's why, Chishima-kun, I still prefer the times we went to Tokyo Tower or Itomori. I don't necessarily want to participate in everything; I just want to be a witness. I want to see sights I've never seen before..."
Akishin was stunned for a moment, then said, "In that case, next time we should find time to travel the world and see all those famous sights..."
"No, Chishima-kun, you misunderstand."
Shizuka turned her head, looking at Akishin warmly. "I don't want to travel the world. In this lifetime, just seeing the sights of Japan is enough to make me happy. Chishima-kun, did you know? I'm actually afraid of far-off places. I'm afraid I won't be able to come back. When I was a child, I was afraid of not being able to see my father for a long time. Now that I'm an adult, I'm afraid of leaving familiar surroundings. My friends say it's a symptom of insecurity, but I'm not afraid anymore. I still just don't want to go far..."
"Then next time we'll find time to travel around Japan. We can go to Mount Fuji to see the cherry blossoms, go to Hokkaido for skiing, or to Senso-ji Temple to pray..."
"Chishima-kun, you still don't get it. Actually..."
Shizuka's face turned bright red as she clung to Akishin's arm. She bit her lip, then slowly let go, revealing a beautiful smile. "...As long as I'm with you, no matter where we are, that is the best view for me."
...
The return flight took off, and after half a day, everyone arrived back in Chiba. As they stepped out of Chiba Station, everyone was smiling, looking even happier than they had been at the amusement park.
A small camera hung around Yui's neck, filled with photos from their trip to Fukuoka.
Exiting the station, they were met by a welcoming party organized by Sobu High. There were about a hundred people, led by the principal and three members of the school board.
Additionally, there were people from the Chiba Kendo Alliance, led by their chairman. There were another hundred or so people, mostly young, who shouted Hachiman's name loudly the moment they saw him come out.
Hachiman had technically lost to Shuji Kitahara, but the majority of people considered it a draw. Everyone had seen that final duel.
In truth, even a loss would have been something to be proud of.
Between the two groups, a giant banner was held high, reading: 'Celebrating the Sobu High Kendo Team's Championship Victory!'
There was also a swarm of reporters lugging cameras and other gear.
Given the scale of the reception, a bystander might have thought the Prime Minister had arrived.
The principal stepped forward and said enthusiastically, "Chishima-kun, Hikigaya-kun, and everyone else—thank you for your hard work. Chiba is proud of you, and the school is proud because of you..."
The group was still in a state of shock as they were ushered into vehicles and sent home first. Since they were exhausted from the journey, the talk of celebrations was postponed until the next day.
Hachiman, Komachi, and Akishin got out of their vehicle outside the Hikigaya residence.
"Hachiman, Komachi, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow." Hachiman nodded to Yui—now that he was back in familiar territory, his eyes looked like they were ready to return to their natural 'dead fish' state.
He looked at Yukino, who said softly, "See you tomorrow."
"Wow, so this is the Hikigaya house. Don't you want to invite big sister in for a bit? I bought a lot of good stuff in Fukuoka..."
"Nee-san, don't trouble people..."
Haruno Yukinoshita appeared from behind Yukino, only to be pushed back by her younger sister.
Komachi waved goodbye to the group. "Yui-nee, Yukino-nee, see you tomorrow!"
On the other side, Akishin also said his goodbyes to Yuika Kondo and the others. "Kondo, the shop won't be open today or tomorrow. Go home and get some good rest tonight, and come over to play tomorrow."
Kaiko and Yuika said in unison, "Understood, Chishima-sensei."
Soichi Kondo had already fallen asleep inside the vehicle.
Under the golden light of the setting sun, the three of them watched as the van disappeared from view.
Komachi Hikigaya enthusiastically led the way for Akishin.
"Welcome, welcome! Chishima-sensei, please, right this way."
Despite having taught Kendo to Hachiman for so long, this was the first time Akishin had visited Hachiman's home. It was a promise made over the phone, and the gift box in his hand showed that he had come specifically for a formal visit.
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