Class Two-B

When I walked into the classroom, I immediately noticed the tension. The students were nervous, anxious even. I wasn't sure why.

"Aiko… what's going on? Why's everyone so worked up?" I asked. Instructor Hiroto hadn't arrived yet, so what was the reason for all this?

"You don't know? Today's Duel Day. It's been posted all over school. I'm surprised you didn't notice." she replied.

Damn it… I've been so caught up dealing with Hiroshi and Aiko, I hadn't been keeping up with the school's events.

"What's Duel Day?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Aiko's expression turned serious. "It's when two random classes spar against each other. The instructors choose the matchups, and there are restrictions on the fights. It's practice for the third-quarter tournament."

"Oh? Who are we fighting? Everyone looks so tense, but honestly, I'm excited." I said, feeling confident.

"That's the thing—we don't know yet. Instructor Hiroto hasn't told us. I just hope it's not Class Four-A." Aiko sighed.

I blinked in surprise. "Wait, this is all prep for the tournament? When is it?"

"In three months. Takeda, it's pretty rare for someone to join in the middle of a term like you did. Even rarer to land in the top class right away." She looked at me intently. "I knew you were strong the moment I saw you. You joined with no clan backing you. The tournament's tough, and our class struggled last time. We got beaten pretty bad."

So, the upper classes are really that strong?

"Aiko, we'll win this time. Trust me." I said, giving her a reassuring nod.

She smiled, her confidence in me was clear. A few minutes later, Instructor Hiroto entered the room.

"I'm sure you've all heard. Today is Duel Day." he announced, his voice calm but authoritative.

The entire class braced for the announcement, waiting for him to tell us who we'd face.

"We will be battling Class Two-B." he said, his face as stoic as ever.

The tension in the room evaporated almost instantly. Class Two-B? A relief for most. Everyone one let out a deep sigh. 

"Class Two-B fights aggressively. They're ruthless, but at least it's not Class Four-A. Those guys are monsters." Aiko whispered to me.

I couldn't help but smile. "This will be fun."

When we entered the training grounds, a group of students from Class Two-B approached. They were all older, clearly from noble samurai families. One of them, a tall man with his long hair tied in a bun and wearing a blue kimono, stepped forward.

"Class One-A, I hope we have a good spar. I've heard a lot about your new student," he said, eyeing me. "I'm Taro Ueda, of the Ueda Clan." he added with obvious pride.

I gave him a smirk. "Don't worry, I'll go easy. We wouldn't want any tears after the duel."

Taro's face twitched. Got him. He was trying to play it cool, but he's the type where anything pisses him off.

"Takeda, let's go." Ryu said, cutting in.

"Yeah." I replied.

"Taro's the strongest in Class Two-B." Ryu muttered as we walked. "Honestly, I'm not sure I can beat him right now."

"They randomize the matchups, don't they? We'll see how it goes." I said, trying to lighten the mood.

Soon enough, Instructor Hiroto called us all together. "The matchups and restrictions have been decided." he said, causing everyone to quiet down. "Today, you'll be fighting without the use of Ki. It will be two-on-two battles."

The class murmured in surprise. A fight with no Ki? This was pure combat—my kind of fun.

Taro didn't seem bothered. He stood there, calm and confident. 

Instructor Hiroto began assigning the pairs, and Ryu and I ended up on the same team. We exchanged a knowing glance, both eager for the challenge. Aiko and Hiroshi were paired with others but seemed just as ready.

The battles started, the sounds of wooden swords and spears clashing filling the air. I couldn't help but feel the anticipation building inside me. I knew Ryu felt it too.

"Aiko Tachibana, Kimatsu Sorin versus Kato Kiyomasa and Arima Harunbou. Step into the arena." Instructor Hiroto called out.

Aiko stepped forward, holding a spear. I hadn't expected her to use one.

The battle started with a tense standoff. Kato leaped forward, closing the distance—swinging his sword down hard at Aiko. Smart move—spear users weak points are at close range. Aiko barely dodged, the blade slicing just inches from her face. She retaliated by jumping into the air, thrusting her spear toward Kato's chest with a precise strike.

Kato dodged, sidestepping and countering with a powerful swing, knocking Aiko down. It was over quickly—it was Aiko's lost.

Meanwhile, Kimatsu had already lost his fight. It was a tough start for our class, with Class Two-B racking up nine wins to our four.

Next up was Hiroshi and Kanbei Ujiyasu. I didn't know much about Kanbei, but I hadn't seen him interact much with the rest of us.

Their opponents were Jubei Yagyu and Munenori Yagyu, a brother duo. Jubei was large and muscular, wielding an axe and shield, while Munenori was thin and quick, armed with a short sword. Hiroshi had chosen gauntlet-like weapons, and Kanbei went with a katana.

The battle began on Hiroto's command. Hiroshi moved like lightning, dodging Munenori's attacks with ease and closing in on Jubei. The large samurai blocked with his shield, but Hiroshi predicted it, sweeping his legs out from under him. Before Jubei could react, Hiroshi struck his chest, immobilizing him. In an instant, he dashed at Munenori, knocking him down with one swift punch. 

The match was over in less than a minute. The crowd was stunned, mouths wide open.

Then, a voice broke the silence.

"That was pure luck, brat! They weren't ready." It was Instructor Akashi from Class Two-B, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Tch, arrogant students and an arrogant instructor—figures.

"That's enough, Instructor Akashi." Hiroto interjected. "Next, Takeda Hanzo and Ryu Kazuki versus Taro Ueda and Satake Soji."

Finally, our turn. The best of each class going head-to-head. This had to be planned. 

Time to see what they've got.