Chapter Twenty-Three: The Tournament of Martial Artists

“Oh, Saeko. Long time no see.”
Shion Kanoryuin greeted with a smile, holding a slender lady’s cigarette in her hand. Her secretary, Tomoko Matsuda, stood behind her and bowed slightly.
Even in an ordinary office outfit, she could hardly hide her mature and alluring figure.
Especially since she had daringly left two buttons undone.
Anyone meeting her for the first time would find it hard to believe that she was actually the chairwoman of an education group whose influence could shake the entire industry with a single stomp.
“Yes, it’s been a while, Shion. How’s Akemi?”
“Oh, that child is doing well! She’s made some new friends recently and goes to the gym often. But who are these two behind you... Which of them is the little junior you’ve been hiding away?”
Though she said “two,” Shion Kanoryuin’s teasing gaze lingered only on Saeko and the boy behind her, Kyo Shirado.
The blond was completely ignored.
Saeko’s murderous aura grew stronger; anyone with connections in her circle knew the reason.
After all, a true successor of the ancient killing sword school, someone with a police record—if she ever lost control...
That would make big headlines!
But a year ago, she suddenly announced she was living with a teenage boy, and her impulses seemed subdued.
...It was hard for seasoned older women not to make a joke about that.
“Shion! Enough!”
Saeko’s cheeks flushed crimson, but her words held no denial.
As for Kyo, faced with the teasing, he simply spread his hands, unconcerned.
At only sixteen, he seemed immune to the charms of flirtatious older women, which made Shion Kanoryuin look him over with interest.
After a moment’s scrutiny, she curled her lips ever so slightly, the cigarette dangling from her mouth.
Women of the Kanoryuin family had an inherited passion for muscles.
The sight of chiseled, powerful muscle always excited them.
But by her standards, Kyo Shirado, whose physique had only partially recovered, was tasteless.
Those wiry, almost unhealthy-looking muscles—had Saeko misjudged?
Shion Kanoryuin lost interest in him at once, and called out instead.
“It’s about time. If you’re curious, come along. But let me warn you—if you get scared, I won’t take responsibility.”
With that, she turned on her heel, beckoning over her shoulder for them to follow.
“Please, this way.”
Tomoko Matsuda shook her head helplessly at her boss, then politely extended her arm.
Kyo and Saeko exchanged a smile, while Taizuke Zenaga muttered complaints about being ignored.
The three followed after.
Imperial Sakura Girls’ Academy was vast; after walking for some time, they finally arrived before the doors of an indoor arena.

At the entrance stood a tall, muscular man, waiting anxiously.
“Chairwoman, weren’t we supposed to be here ten minutes ago...”
“Shut up, Kozu! You’re so noisy!”
“Yes... Yes ma’am!”
With neatly parted hair and square glasses, his dark face showed shy honesty under her scolding.
If not for his beastly musculature, no one would suspect his corporate background.
Kyo Shirado, following Shion Kanoryuin, watched the man called Kozu with interest.
A fighter from the Kengan Association with this kind of personality?
Intriguing.
He’d entered the underground fighting world through the yakuza-backed “Red Sand,” so he’d always assumed fighters would be fierce and intimidating.
But it seemed the top organizations had more variety than he’d expected.
Kyo couldn’t help feeling a hint of anticipation.
After Shion Kanoryuin finished scolding Kozu into meek submission, she waved her hand grandly.
“Alright! Let’s go in.”
The automatic doors opened as they approached.
“This is the Imperial Sakura Academy Group’s Fighter Selection Tournament!”
In an instant, ferocious cries and the pungent scent of blood surged from within like a tidal wave!
Inside the arena, about fifty burly men were divided into uneven groups, engaged in bare-knuckle brawls with primal brutality!
“Damn it!”
“Die! Die! Die!”
Fists broke noses! Knees shattered ribs!
Even stomping on opponents’ groins!
All fighting techniques were permitted except for weapons!
Blood and sweat flowed!
Broken teeth mixed with spittle!
What unfolded before them was precisely the scene that all underground fighting organizations revered—the most primal, the most violent thrill!

“A-amazing! Boxing, wrestling, karate... They’re really not holding back!”
Taizuke Zenaga’s eyes widened as he stammered his words.
He didn’t know why just witnessing a group of strong men fighting made his throat dry and heart race uncontrollably.
But if he looked in a mirror, he’d see his clenched, creaking fists and instinctively gritted teeth—manifestations of every human’s deepest longing.

—Addicted to violence!
For the first time in his life, this blond delinquent realized he had a genuine yearning for something.

Saeko, upon entering the arena, lost her composure.
A blissful smile unconsciously appeared on her lips as she greedily inhaled the scent of blood. Flickering red light glimmered in her eyes like illusions. Her hand unconsciously formed the grip of a sword.
Just as the stance was about to form, a warm hand suddenly reached out and clasped her own.
The familiar touch snapped Saeko out of her murderous trance.
Turning, she found Kyo Shirado looking at her with concern.
But before either could speak, a broad, dark hand landed on Kyo’s shoulder.
Startled, they heard Kozu’s hearty yet shy voice.
“Are you scared, young man? Don’t worry—it’ll be over soon.”
Kyo glanced at himself in surprise.
Scared?
He was afraid they wouldn’t be violent enough!
But looking at himself and Saeko, he understood.
With his lost muscle mass, Kyo’s sixteen-year-old face stood out, and he looked like a frightened high schooler holding the hand of a mature woman.
It would be strange not to be misunderstood.
Kozu had no idea what was going on in Kyo’s mind.
He simply began methodically removing his stiff jacket and glasses, then...
A familiar expression slowly crept across the shy, honest man’s face.
It was an intoxicating, confident smile—cruel and mocking—born from the joy of tormenting his enemies and faith in his own strength!

“Chairwoman, I’m heading in!”
All traces of shyness and deference vanished.
Kozu’s words to Shion Kanoryuin were less “asking permission” than “informing her.”
“Whoooaaa!”
With a triumphant roar, Kozu charged like a rampaging tank, completely ignoring the battle circles formed by nearly fifty strong men.
He stormed into the fray!