Super Sword Squad:
Blade Braver!
The city is under attack!
That fiend... Death Armor!
Ah, my dear Blade Bravers.
You've no chance of defeating me!
I am the strongest!
The world belongs to me!
We won't forgive you, Death Armor!
We will defeat you, and restore peace to the world!
Episode 2
Blade Braver and Lunch
Who's this? A new member?
Yeah, she's a freshman, and her name is Kawazoe Tamaki.
She's experienced too.
Okay then, get her into gear.
This'll be a test.
I'm sorry for getting you involved in this mess.
It's okay.
Toyama-kun always picks on the new members.
He's got a superiority complex and likes weeding out members weaker than him.
Would he do that to girls?
If it were girls... he'd bully them 'til they cry.
Toyama-kun's a sadist.
You know, in a club with both boys and girls,
you get used to the boys trying to show off.
The club's a great place to show off their skills, after all.
Now, go Tama-chan!
Defeat the ultimate evil in our club!
Teach the sadistic Toyama-kun a lesson he'll never forget!
Excuse me... Kirino-san.
Yes?
Do you have smaller trousers?
That's the smallest one we have...
I'm sorry, I'm too short...
I can fold up the front,
but I'll probably step on the hem.
It's okay then.
Let's do this again when you've brought your own...
No, I'll do it.
I'll be a member of this club, just for today.
Walk quietly...
Hey, freshmen! Don't leave.
You two are next after I'm done with her.
It was back during primary school,
there were some older students picking on me and my friends...
It turned into a brawl.
Why you!
One of them picked up a steel pipe,
and that's when she showed up.
The ally of justice.
Stop fighting!
Kawazoe Tamaki...
That's right, it was Tama-chan.
An ally of justice...
Took ya long enough.
Well then, let's get to it.
Nice to meet you.
█
Toyama's shinai is one of the shinai variants, his being made of carbon fibres. In Kendo, shinai made of bamboo are usually used; however, there've been some exceptions that have allowed the use of carbon shinai.
Be careful.
Toyama's using a carbon shinai.
It'll really sting if you get hit.
If you get hit on the hand, it'll hurt like hell!
You see, he's using a carbon shinai 'cause he likes to see his opponents suffer.
What a sick guy!
Who'd be friends with this freak?
Yeah, yeah, shut up already.
Uh...
Kawazoe-san?
Don't listen to Iwasa.
I'll go easy on you.
It's not like this is a real match or anything...
In fact, I'll go easy on you.
I mean, this is just kendo.
A hero... an ally of justice?
Still, that won't keep me fed!
Crap, I'm late!
That sounds like swords clashing.
█
In Kendo, Men (面) is an indicator used when attacking the head.
Men!
Tama-chan!
She's pretty fast.
I can't even hit her.
Damn girl...
I'll get serious then.
█
In Kendo, Dou (胴) is an indicator used when attacking the torso.
Dou!
Well done!
Torso hit to Toyama!
Toyama-kun!
What's wrong?
In a Kendo match, after an opponent strikes the other,
both are supposed to get back to their starting position, and continue from there.
Will we not formally continue?
Like I said, this isn't a real match.
I just wanna see how strong you are.
Great...
This isn't a point match to him.
█
The most common match format is a one point match. If one opponent is struck by the other, then the match is over, with the winner being the one who dealt the blow.
He just wants to beat the crap outta her.
Bloody sadist.
The purpose of Kendo is not to teach one how to kill their opponent.
It's to learn about yourself and your inner warrior spirit.
It's never about beating your opponent.
It's more about dedicating yourself to self-improvement.
Tama-chan, 4 years old
I'm sorry, I may have rushed this a bit.
But Tamaki, understand this...
Kendo starts and ends with courtesy.
It's a sport that emphasizes courtesy.
Do not fear it.
It's been 11 years since then...
I'm at an age where I can't understand young people.
She's awful late...
I wonder what she's doing at school.
What's the matter?
Come at me!
This is...
I mean, this is just kendo.
not kendo, at all.
Men!
Dou!
Good job!
So ya hit me a couple of times, big deal!
It doesn't hurt at all!
You're weak!
Your weak strikes won't work on me!
Oh no, I knew this would happen...
What would?
The trousers are too big, so she can't move as well!
Oh, I see.
That's why she was moving so slowly.
He's breaking through her defense...
This looks bad.
Oh please, it's not much of a handicap at all.
Dou!
Whoops, it slipped outta my hand.
That's great, Toyama!
Finish this up already.
Shut the hell up!
She won't back away when I attack.
Then all I have to do is knock her down.
I'll make her learn that women are no match for men when it comes to brute force!
She hasn't even broken a sweat!
Damn girl's pissing me off!
What should I do...?
I won't be able to beat him with my strength alone...
Then...
Tamaki.
You're putting too much strength into your thrust.
It's like you're trying to finish off a villain.
You should never use thrusts, ever.
I can't use it on anyone?
Well...
You can use it if your opponent's a mature man,
but he has to be experienced as well.
And that's only after you're in high school.
Until then, you're restricted from using thrusts.
He's a man...
He's mature...
And he's experienced...
Father... Mother...
I'm in high school now.
She did it!
It's no good.
I'll go home, chow down, then think on it.
Heck, I'm sure I can figure this all out.
Toyama, talk to me!
You're not sleeping, are ya?
You slipped pretty good, I mean, you were going all-out just now.
Tama-chan.
Those two may come back some day...
When they do, you're the only one who can fight them!
I'm the only one?
Yes!
I understand.
I don't know how long it'll be for,
but I'll be in your care for a while.
Uh...
I'm Kawazoe Tamaki from class 1-9, and an ally of justice.
Atomic Fire Blade!
Don't think this is the end, Blade Braver!
I'll be back! I always come back!
And I will always be here to protect everyone's smiles!
I'm going now.
Tamaki, is that your...
I joined the Kendo club.
Oh, I see.
I'm glad you've finally been motivated to join.
Did your friends invite you to join?
Or did a teacher ask you to join?
Neither.
I joined to defend the innocent from evil.
Huh...?
That's it for today.
About that handout, I'll go over it next time...
Sensei, you look beat.
What's wrong?
I'm so hungry.
I didn't eat breakfast...
I must have that match with Senpai soon, or else I'm a goner...
Do you want my bread?
It's my lunch, but I'm on a diet.
You're really gonna give it to me?!
You can have mine too.
Yes, bread! Sweet red bean bread just for me!
He must like eating leftovers...
Yeah...
Look!
This is my lunch, made for strict training!
I made this special lunch for Dan-kun.
Yes?
You're pretty manly, Tama-chan.
You're cool!
Well, let's eat some together.
Help yourselves.
I'm sorry.
I can't share my dried plum evenly.
We know that.
There's only one.
But I can share my rice.
Sure, I'll have some!
I'm done eating.
So fast!
Tama-chan, my family runs a deli.
Here, have one of our hamburgers.
Tama-chan, Miya-Miya's fried shrimps are good too.
She's eating my right arm...
Tama-chan, drink this.
It's okay... I feel like I'm being fed.
Oh, really?
You're pretty short, so I felt like you needed to eat more to grow bigger.
That'll make me fat.
Kirino-senpai.
There's another junior in the club, right?
Yep, her name's Saya.
We went through primary and middle school together.
Why doesn't she come to the club more often?
Well, she's pretty random...
But wait a while and she'll come back on her own.
How was this club doing last year?
Like, how did you do competitively?
We were pretty average.
We actually managed to reach the second round of the team matches.
As for singles matches, a few boys managed to get to the semifinals.
But the girls didn't do too well, as usual.
Well, it really all depends on the team's coach.
He's a big softy.
But he's gotten serious lately, so I'm happy.
I can't tell her.
Sushi!
Hey Yuuji, how did you do in middle school?
Me?
I only managed to get into the top eight at the school regionals.
The top eight?
That's incredible!
No, it's nothing amazing.
Not at all.
Not at all?
I've never made it to the regionals.
If reaching the top eight in the regionals isn't amazing,
then I'm probably a slug compared to you.
N-No, that's not true!
I-I'm amazing!
Amazing!
How about you, Tama-chan?
Have you ever been in a tournament?
Never.
What a shame.
But we know what would happen if you did.
You'd win at the nationals!
Kawazoe Tamaki... Chiba Kirino...
Miyazaki Miyako... and Kuwahara Sayako.
I'm short one girl.
I need one more girl for the match.
Oh well, it'll all work out somehow.
Besides, I need to make a special training schedule.
You look pumped up, Ishida-sensei.
I'm sorry about the commotion, Yoshikawa-sensei!
I got a little excited.
It's okay.
You've been looking pretty beat lately, so I was getting worried.
I've noticed that both teachers and their students lack energy these days.
You know, it helps to be a little wild sometimes.
Really?
Yes!
Even if it's a little excessive, it's fine so long as you lead students down the right path!
Do your best, Ishida-sensei.
I can't tell her about my real motive...
Kirino!
Didn't I tell you to not use just your wrists?!
I'm sorry, but it's become a habit.
Tama, show her how it's done!
Okay!
I feel like I'm in a real Kendo club...
Sweat's flowing...
It's running down us...
It's flying around us...
Our shining sweat!
That's some sick fetish you have there.
Do it again!
Keep your sword's tip straight!
Okay...!
Loosen up your shoulders!
Ah, that feels so good...
Tama, show her again.
Yes.
Yuuji!
Are Dan and Miya-Miya running laps?
Yeah, they're running outside.
Wait for me, Miya-Miya!
Dan-kun, I'm ahead of you!
They have to complete the basic training course first.
Besides, they kinda piss me off when they're nearby.
Indeed.
But Miya-Miya needs to practice for the upcoming match!
I'll have to force the right attitude into her!
Tama!
Yes?
Spar with me!
Okay.
I haven't assessed your true skills yet.
Now, come at me!
Understood.
Let's go!
Men!
Tama-chan, you can't do that.
Even Sensei has his pride to consider.
You shouldn't off him in an instant.
He's right.
You could've toyed with him a little, even if you wanted to win.
I've become...
weak.
I love kendo.
But hey, I'm happy you're getting serious for my sake.
Do your best, Ishida-sensei.
Tama, let's go another round!
Tamaki, your mother's family sent their Koshihikari rice again.
And my family sent dried plums.
They're your favorite plums from Kishuu.
Father, Mother, forgive me.
I want to make sandwiches for tomorrow, so I can share them with everyone.
Because I made some friends.
Next Episode
I'm the invincible Death Armor!
I'll tell you kids the three rules for joining the Death-Death Squad.
First!
Don't be picky.
Second!
Think through your plan before taking action.
Third!
Don't be liable for others, no matter how close you are to them.
Fourth!
Offense begins with defense.
Don't ask why there are four rules!
Remember these rules, and you can become an evil Death Boy too!
You will listen to death metal, use death pencils, and write in your Death Notes!
The next episode of Bamboo Blade is:
Black And Blue
But I don't appear in this episode, so you don't have to watch it.