Chapter 8: "The Big Day".

It was past four o'clock in the afternoon, and the main temple of the Hoshinomori family was beginning to fill with the clans that were not involved in the dispute and the public interested in the fight.

It is not so rare that people from outside the clans come, these types of fights are usually seen as a kind of entertainment for the communities near each temple, it is something like a service to the community, as are the summer festivals and that kind of thing.

And there I was... as the good successor of the master clan doing all the protocol that exists when these cases occur, greet the mayor of the city and the former leaders of the clans that were arriving, then came Arata-senpai and Ichiro who, despite being part of a clan involved, is not the one who is going to fight.

–– Good afternoon Akira-sama.

Arata-senpai and Ichiro put one knee on the ground and lowered their gaze in reverence.

–– Good afternoon boys, you may rise.

–– Yes! –– They both heeded my words, stood up and stared at me.

–– Shall we watch the fight together as usual?

–– Yes, sir. –– Arata-senpai was the one who answered.

–– Ichiro, how is Hatsu?

–– She looked quite relaxed...

–– I see...

–– This, Akira-sama.

–– Hm? –– I looked at Arata-senpai.

–– Who do you think is going to win this battle?

–– Hmm... If I'm being honest and objective... this match will be decided by the smallest detail, I don't know who will win, maybe it will be the one who is more concentrated when it comes to fighting, but I hope it will be a good exhibition for the audience to enjoy.

–– Is that your verdict?

–– Yes, I am the head of the clans, I cannot be guided by my feelings, even though Haru has been my escort since the ascension ceremony, if Hatsu wins, that means she is more prepared than Haru.

–– As wise as ever, sir.

–– Let's hope my crazy sister doesn't think of doing something stupid.

–– We're talking about Hatsu, I think we should expect a dose of madness today.

–– That's what I'm afraid...

–– Easy, man. –– I tapped Ichiro on the shoulder and walked to the stairs to see what the mood was like.

–– Look, it's the young successor of the Hoshinomori clan!

From one moment to the next, thousands of eyes were focused on me, adults, children, high school students, classmates, etc.

I just raised my hand in greeting while smiling.

–– Attention! –– Out of nowhere, one of the guards at the main gate shouted. –– The Furukawa clan is coming to the main temple!

And out of nowhere the gazes were diverted to the main entrance from which, slowly and progressively, the students of the Furukawa clan dojo began to appear and behind them, Daiki-san, his wife and the person who is the head of the clan, Furukawa Haru.

–– Everyone! –– Haru shouted causing everyone around him to fall silent. –– Greetings!

Haru, his parents and the students placed a knee on the ground and looked down.

–– Akira-sama! –– Haru was still the only person speaking in a somewhat awkward, but strangely pleasant silence. –– The entire Furukawa clan greets you!

–– It's nice to see you in such high spirits, Haru! –– I stared at Haru. –– You may rise and take your places!

–– Yes! Haru replied firmly. –– You guys get up and take your positions!

The students of the dojo stood up and took the Furukawa clan's place, while Daiki-san and his wife approached the place where the former clan leaders were standing.

While his parents took position, Haru began to stretch his limbs with his back to me, waiting for his rival.

–– Attention! –– And speaking of the queen of Rome. –– She appears at the main temple, the Takumi clan!

The people present at the temple looked again at the main gate to see the Takumi clan's senior staff enter, but something didn't add up…

I saw Hajime-san and his wife, also the students of the dojo, Ichiro I have him here next to me, but I did not see the leader of the clan…

–– Hm… Ichiro…

–– I know…

Ichiro got up from his post and rushed downstairs to meet his family.

–– Jiji… –– That laugh… Don't tell me what? –– That's right Akira-sama.

Hatsu appeared from behind my seat with his typical smile that is somewhat disturbing to me.

–– Takumi Hatsu introducing herself to her work. –– Hatsu made a quick bow.

–– Ha… Why do you always have to appear out of nowhere? –– I rubbed the area between my eyes.

–– Something I should be used to?

–– Unfortunately, yes… you know, come on down.

–– As you command, my lord.

Just as he came, he left… and appeared in front of Haru and when I mean "in front", it's in front… Both leaders looked each other in the eyes, Haru was totally serious and calm while Hatsu was with his smile that hid a halo of anger.

–– I hope you will hand over the position that rightfully belongs to me, Haru-san.

–– Don't sing victory prematurely Hatsu-sama, your ego may be your undoing.

–– Your face and words are as serious as ever, tch… –– Hatsu lost his characteristic calm mask and let out his true expression. –– That's always bothered me about you… You're always like that, I really need to get you out of Akira-sama's side as soon as possible.

–– With all due respect to Hatsu-sama, but is talking the only thing you know how to do?

–– Uh… So you also have a provocative side… I hope you'll take back your words when the fight is over.

–– Very well, let's begin.

–– For the first time we agree.

Both Hatsu and Haru, stared at me making me feel their conviction and pressure.

–– So it's my turn, huh? –– I moved a little closer, looked around to fix my gaze on the two people in front of me. ––– The match between Furukawa Haru and Takumi Hatsu is about to begin!

I raised my arms and smiled to give more excitement to the matter.

–– I hope it's a match that lives up to the expectations, but at the same time is enjoyable to watch! –– I widened my eyes and widened my smile. –– Furukawa Haru!

–– Yes!

–– Takumi Hatsu!

–– Ready!

–– I wish you all the best for this fight! –– I looked at one of the monks of my clan and gave him the signal to strike the gong.

Just as the gong was about to sound, I opened my mouth to finish the sentence.

–– Begin!