[293] Final Duel Opponent

"That voice... is that you, Totokubara-senpai?"

Ikki silently sharpened his ears, carefully listening to the conversation over the phone.

"Wait a second! Wasn't it already settled that the opponent would be Raikiri?!"

[Who told you it was settled?]

A cold, razor-edged voice came from the phone—Totokubara Kanata.

"You…!"

"Don't get cocky, Akaza-dono.The Totokubara Conglomerate has no business ties or interests overlapping with the League Branch. But don't think that means you can pressure me into submission."

Kanata's tone was forceful—undeniably authoritative.

The League Branch was under the direct control of League Headquarters, completely detached from any domestic government or political apparatus in Japan.

Yes.

In every League member nation, all rights to educate and manage Blazers were entirely in the League Branch's hands. The Branch reported only to the Headquarters—not to any national government.

In other words, not even the Prime Minister of Japan could command a single Blazer within the country!

The reasoning was clear: To prevent Blazers from being militarized by national governments. To shield them from manipulation by power-hungry officials or corrupt corporations. To preserve their autonomy and independence from worldly power.

Even someone as powerful as Kanata couldn't interfere with League affairs.

When Akaza, a Blazer enforcer, reached out to her to change the match's opponent, even she felt the weight of that ask.

Especially because he threatened her with media leverage, saying,

"The press has already been contacted. The report will be published tomorrow." A clear attempt to corner her through public opinion.

Of course, for Ikki, this was both a trap and an opportunity. No matter the outcome, he might claw his way out of the mire.

And besides—Kanata actually favored using duels to settle disputes.

If nothing unexpected happened, she might have agreed without protest. After all, in her eyes, Toudou Touka wouldn't lose to Ikki Kurogane. Ikki was strong, yes—but there was still a noticeable gulf between them.

But now, something had shifted.

"This time, the opponent will be changed to Class 1-A's Nangou Eiji.If you don't like it—tough!"

Kanata's response came with the overwhelming weight of someone used to commanding the world.

Akaza stiffened.

If they really changed the opponent to Nangou Eiji, he might provoke the wrath of that Disciple of the God of War. And judging from their brief exchange that day... that one was not to be trifled with.

He was decisive. Sharp. Fearless. He didn't give a damn that he was a Blazer enforcer.

"But… if I make this happen—I get promoted!"

Akaza's eyes gleamed—his reason clouded by ambition.

It was true. The whole smear campaign against Ikki using Stella was his orchestration. But behind it all stood the real mastermind—Kurogane Itsuki.

The current head of the Kurogane family. The League Branch Chief. Father of Ikki and his siblings.

He oversaw all Blazer affairs in Japan and answered only to League HQ. Even the Prime Minister had to bow and scrape before him.

No one in the country could bend that man.

He was the one who gave Akaza the order to "take care" of Ikki.

And that was why Akaza dared to be so reckless—why he hadn't backed down even before Shizuku.

If he completed this mission flawlessly, a promotion was guaranteed. He would climb the League's ranks even higher!

"I'll take it!"

Akaza's breathing quickened.

So what if he offended a God of War's disciple? He was just a disciple—not the God of War himself.

Limited power. Limited risk.

A few burnt bridges were worth the view from the top!

"Ikki Kurogane! Your duel opponent has been changed!"

Akaza turned back, eyes bloodshot, his face twisted into a smile that was half-mad triumph and half-hidden fear.

"Your new opponent is Class 1-A's Nangou Eiji! He might not measure up to Raikiri, but for you? He's a worthy match, wouldn't you say?"

Ikki fell silent.

A change of opponent.

Was he afraid? ...A little. After all, this involved Stella.

But more than that—a rising tide of excitement swelled within him.

Eiji was without a doubt someone he had longed to fight.

As a final duel opponent—he lacked nothing.

Yes, it was unfortunate that adult politics had seeped into what should have been a pure battle of ideals.

But even so—this was a chance to fulfill a long-held wish.

To fight him. To settle things between them.

He would seize it without hesitation!

But… why had Kanata-senpai chosen Eiji as his opponent?

That question gnawed at Ikki's mind.

Unlike most, he was highly observant. He had sensed, however faintly, that there was something deeper between those two. Something complicated.

But that wasn't his business to expose—so he kept it to himself.

Totokubara-senpai involving Eiji in all this... That was something Ikki found deeply baffling.

"Message from the top: The Branch Chief summons Kurogane Ikki!"

"What? My father wants to see me?"

Ikki froze on the spot.

His father—the man who had ignored him like he didn't even exist for years... Now, at this critical juncture, he wanted to see him?

Ikki knew better than to get his hopes up. But still…A faint, irrepressible flicker of anticipation stirred in his heart.

Maybe...

Maybe Father's heard of my progress—heard that I've become a representative for the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival... Maybe now... he's finally willing to acknowledge me?

Led by a staff member, Ikki headed toward the top floor—the Branch Chief's office. His steps, usually heavy with the weight of solitude, felt just a bit lighter than usual.

***

Hagun Academy—Operations Committee Office

"That should do it."

Kanata ended the call and turned toward the man standing before her.

Eiji stood across from her, having heard the entire conversation with Akaza.

"Yeah. That'll do. Thanks, Kanata."

"It was nothing.But… are you really sure about this?"

Kanata couldn't hide the worry in her voice.

She had already asked him this same question three times since learning of his plan.

Yes—changing the opponent to himself had been Eiji's own idea.

"What? Worried I'll lose?"

Eiji glanced around.

Right now, Kanata was the only one still in the office. Otherwise, they wouldn't have dared speak so freely.

He casually sat down in her chair, pulled her close, and sat her on his lap without hesitation.

"That's not what I meant…"

Kanata didn't doubt Eiji's strength.

He had defeated her—despite being at a disadvantage—two months ago. And he'd grown even stronger since. She was confident he wouldn't lose to Ikki.

In her eyes, Ikki hadn't even proven he could beat Touka, while Eiji was on par with her.

"I just mean… if you lose, you'll be disqualified from the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, right?"

Worry painted her refined face—tender and filled with concern.

With his current strength, he was more than qualified to challenge for the title of Seven Stars Sword King. And when that time came, she'd have every reason to convince her family to accept him.

"That's not a given."

Eiji smiled calmly at her concern—his expression mysterious, unreadable.

"Who says losing disqualifies me from the festival?"

"Huh?"

"A mountain hermit always has a trick up his sleeve! Hahaha!"

Kanata rolled her eyes in mock annoyance.

"Also—don't tell senpai about this."

"…I'm jealous now."

"Naughty girl. Let me make it up to you."

***

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