There it is! It's Mach Greed!
By accumulating its own speed, she continues to accelerate forever unless she stops!
That's the Noble Art of Renren Tomaru, also known as "The Runner's High"!
She's already going faster than sonic speed!
Aren't you surprised, Kurogane?
Yeah. No wonder you're an executive of the student council, Tomaru.
I can't catch up with you with my eyes.
Oh! Saijo is swinging his Zanbato!
My ability is "accumulation of slashing weight"!
The more I swing it, the heavier it gets!
You have no chance of winning anymore.
This is the Noble Art of Ikazuchi Saijo, the Destroyer!
Is this it for Stella Vermillion?!
Crescendo Ax!
Black Bird!
Wh--
What?!
You should remember, Senpai.
I can bring down any power, special ability, and tricks straight on.
That's why I am an A-rank knight.
I-I lose.
A complete victory! Ikki Kurogane, aka "Another One"!
He even beat the student council executive, and continues to remain undefeated!
The first graders this year are just too strong!
The play-by-play coverage was done by me, Mikazuki Tsukuyomi!
And Hangetsu Tsukuyomi.
See you in the next battle!
"Takami o mezasu nosa, A brave new world," I'll aim higher, A brave new world,
"Jounetsu no kissaki de" With the point of a passionate sword
"Kono basho ni kizamu no wa, It's my soul" What I mark in this place, It's my soul
"Dare nimo furesase nai identity," I won't let anyone touch my identity,
"Kyoumei shiteku kodou" The heart beat that begins to resonate
"Unmei wa kono isshun de kimaru darou" My destiny will be decided in this moment
""Kakugo" o waraeba ii, Ogori takabureba ii" Mock my "resolution," Be arrogant
"Mayoi fumi tsubushi, Let's go ahead!" I'll stomp out doubts, Let's go ahead!
(Let's go ahead, Right now) "Mayoi fumi tsubushi, Let's go ahead!" I'll stomp out doubts, Let's go ahead!
"Dakara ima uchiyaburu nosa," That's why I'll break it now,
"Sou, ashita o fusagu omoi door o" Yes, the heavy door that blocks tomorrow
"Zenryouku de jibun tsukai tsukuse," Use yourself in full force to the end,
"Togi sumasareta kokoro de" With your sharp mind
"Ichigeki de tsuki yaburu nosa," Break it with one stroke,
"Sou mirai o kobamu atsui door o" Yes, the heavy door that refuses tomorrow
"Kishi kaisei, sono toki ga kita nosa," Revive, The time has come,
"Dotanba no climax" The climax at the last minute
It's time to take a top
Congratulations, Onii-sama.
Sword Eater I
My wrist is sore.
Are you alright? Would you like me to sleep by your side and nurse you?
Huh?
How long are you gonna stay close to him, Shizuku!
Ikki, you need to break free from her!
Onii-sama. You wouldn't treat your sister badly, who loves her brother so much, would you?
N-no, I wouldn't.
Do you understand? You have nothing to do with us, so stop butting in our conversations.
I-I have something to do with him!
Oh yeah? How?
That's...
Hey, Ikki? How long are you going to let that thing keep going?
Oh, so you've noticed, Alice.
Onii-sama. What are you talking about?
Yeah, I think I'm being followed by someone.
What?!
You mean, a stalker?
A s-stalker is what, someone who sends a shaver in an envelope, right?
Stella, it's a shaving blade. Who sends an entire shaver?
Sh-sh-sh-shut up! I just forgot to break them apart!
It's been a week already.
You didn't say anything, so I kept my mouth shut, but maybe it's about time you find out, don't you think?
You're right. I should ask what they're after.
Whoever is hiding in there. Is there something you need from me?
This girl...?
Well, I've seen her somewhere...
N-no, this is a misunderstanding.
--I-I-I'm... Wh-wh-whoa! Aah!
--Oh, it's... --I-I-I'm... Wh-wh-whoa! Aah!
Th-thank you for saving me.
I-I'm...ah...a third year, and...
Is something wrong?
B-because I'm embarrassed to look in the boy's eyes.
What a shy senior student.
I'm Ayase Ayatsuji, of Class 3-1.
Ayatsuji...
Are you by any chance related to Kaito Ayatsuji?
Kaito Ayatsuji is my father.
No wonder! When I saw that callous from practicing the bamboo sword,
--I thought you must be related! --Hey, Alice. Who's Kaito Ayatsuji?
--Wow, this is amazing. Kaito's sword technique is so flawless it's amazing! --Hey, Alice. Who's Kaito Ayatsuji?
Well, I don't know him.
He was a gifted swordsman known as "The Last Samurai."
The Tenryu Gozen Match, The Tozai Toitsu Match, The Musashi Cup, The Judan Match...
He won in all well-known tournaments, and enjoyed his glory in the world of the Japanese sword.
He's a true master. But he's not widely-known because he's not a blazer.
When I was little, I used to study swordplay by watching the videos of his matches.
Really?!
Yes. It's so thrilling to meet his daughter.
I haven't heard his name lately, but how is he doing?
There was an accident during a match, and he's being hospitalized.
O-oh, really. I'm sorry for asking you about such a delicate matter.
No, no. I don't mind!
It makes me really happy to know that a strong man like you worshipped my father.
Thank you!
More importantly, will you tell us why you were stalking my brother?
I'm pretty sure you were staring at him with a dirty desire in mind.
--Is that right?! --So how should I punish you?
--N-no! It's not like that! --So how should I punish you?
--N-no! It's not like that!
--Candle torturing, whipping, nail ripping, burning with fire,
--I wanted some guidance in swordplay from Kurogane. --Candle torturing, whipping, nail ripping, burning with fire,
--water torturing, stone holding, bondage,
--I've been practicing Ayatsuji Itto-ryu all by myself, --water torturing, stone holding, bondage,
--I've been practicing Ayatsuji Itto-ryu all by myself, --street dragging, wooden horse torture...
--and I just can't seem to come out of this slump.
But...I didn't know how to talk to a man I don't even know, so...
For a week, you were thinking about how to talk to me?
Embarrassingly...
Oh my...
I-I'm really sorry!
Ayatsuji. If you'd like, you could join me in my swordplay training.
Huh?
--Huh? --Huh?
No wonder she has a solid foundation.
She never forgets the forms, but isn't fixated on it.
Very high level. But...
Ayatsuji. Stop for a moment.
Oh? What is it, Kurogane?
I thought...the reason you think you're not getting any better...
is because you feel like you're not reaching Kaito's level, maybe?
Yes, that's right!
No matter what I do, I can't move as fast as my father.
Even though I have all his moves down perfectly!
That's the problem.
Imitating Kaito. That's what's preventing you from improving.
Are you saying that my father is wrong?!
No. You and Kaito are different in gender.
That means how your body is structured and how your muscles develop are different.
The more the person you're trying to imitate is close to perfection,
the difference between the two become apparent.
I see... No wonder you're so great, Kurogane!
I have an idea about how to correct your current moves.
Yes, yes!
But...
If you feel proud about using exactly the same sword technique as Kaito,
then you shouldn't force yourself to change that.
Because once you correct your moves, you can never get back the way you were.
I want you to teach me.
I really need to get stronger.
Okay. You can trust me.
Can you hold your sword up?
Y-yes.
Wh-wh-what are you doing, Ikki?
I'm trying to correct her initial form.
Ayatsuji. I know you must be embarrassed, but just hang on a little.
Y-yes.
I'm going to move you just a little. It's a few millimeters.
I want you to focus so that you can feel the difference, and remember the location.
Okay.
Females have far more advantage than males when it comes to the joint flexibility.
Especially the hip joint.
The female pelvis is wider for pregnancy, and because of this their hip joint sticks out,
giving it much wider range of mobility than that of males,
and making it easier to move sideways.
This is the advantage only females have.
If you move your entire body using the hip joint, then all your moves will become one step faster.
Okay, it's good now.
I know I'm the one who did it, but are you alright?
I'm okay...
Then hold your sword again.
Y-yes.
How is it?
It feels a little tight.
You'll get used to it. Just feel the difference. Here!
Yeah, that's so much better.
I see. When she defends herself,
now she receives the attack with her entire lower body, instead of her arms.
Wow! You're great, Kurogane!
This was troubling me for a long time, and you just fixed it so easily!
You're a professor of swordplay!
That's great. I'm not so sure if I'm thrilled about the title, though.
I'm sorry, Ayatsuji. I mean, about touching you a lot earlier.
No, I'm really grateful to you, Kurogane.
Besides...
You have big and rugged hands.
They're like my father's hands, and that made me happy.
I never imagined that I'd get a compliment on my hands.
I think your kind of hands are really cool.
I like people who are driven and dedicated to something.
Huh?
I didn't... It wasn't meant to be naughty, I swear!
What I meant was that you're likable as a person.
I-I know that, so calm down.
Shizuku. Aren't you jealous? That only she gets touched by Ikki so much?
No. He's just giving a lecture on swordplay.
And unlike the bitch from somewhere, she's not seducing him or anything.
Who are you calling a bitch?!
Besides...as long as it makes Onii-sama happy,
I'll be okay even if I'm not his partner.
What?
As long as that person makes him happy,
as long as she never betrays him and gives him sorrow,
then I'll be happy to celebrate.
But, I just don't think there's anyone other than me who can do that.
Shizuku... You're more mature than I thought, even though you're so small.
Maybe you just have many big parts but you're too childish inside.
And your legs are huge.
They're not!
I feel like I can be even stronger if I learn from you, Kurogane.
So... Could you train with me tomorrow and from now on?
Of course.
I just...
really need to get stronger.
I have to win the selection matches, and make it to the Seven Star Battle Festival.
Hey, Ikki?
Yeah?
How was it? Touching Ayatsuji's body everywhere?
I-I have nothing to say.
Ikki...
Your hand.
Believe me.
I just simply want her to improve.
I know, but... I just felt insecure a little.
Don't worry. You know the only person I like...
is you, Stella.
Ikki...
You stepped in very quickly!
Thank you, Vermillion!
Thank you so much for helping me every day, Kurogane!
It's my treat today, so you two eat whatever you want.
Thank you, Ayatsuji, but...
Stella, shouldn't you hold back a little?
I can'f helph ith. I neef to eaf thish mush or my body doeshn't mofe well.
I see. But four servings of mixed grill, and three steaks, and you can still keep that slender waistline?
I don't get it.
Oh yeah?
Since I started learning from you, every day has been full of new discoveries.
Little by little, very gradually, but I can feel that I'm getting closer to my father.
I can't thank you enough, Kurogane.
Everything is due to your hard work.
And I'm sure eventually you would've realized it all by yourself.
Eventually wasn't gonna cut it... to get back what was taken from me.
Yo, it's you, Ayase!
Hey, Ayase-chan!
I thought I haven't seen you lately. Long time no see.
Bitch, Kuraudo is talking to you and you just ignore him?
Excuse me, but my friend doesn't like this.
Could you leave us?
What?! Who the hell are you?
You freakin' give us attitude, and we'll freakin' kill ya, asshole!
You're a swordsman, aren't you?
My bad, bro, for interrupting your meal.
I just saw an old face, so I had to say hi.
This is a token of my apology. Please take it.
Yeah, with pleasure.
Your guard is low for a swordsman!
Ikki!
Kurogane!
Kuraudo, you're good!
So edgy as always!
I just love destroying sword-loving bastards like you.
Let's do it. You have your device, don't ya?
You worthless shitheads!
You must be ready to be turned to ashes!
Stella.
His hand just slipped.
It's nothing to fight about.
Wh-what are you talking about?
Seriously?
This guy got his head busted and is still smiling.
You got some balls on you?!
You must be scared of Kuraudo, but where's your pride?
So uncool!
That's it. Hassling with a chicken like him is going to degrade us.
Let's go dudes.
Bye-bye, Mr. Coward.
Lucky for you that Kuraudo doesn't bully weaklings.
You're so lucky you're a weakling, baby.
What are you doing, Ikki?!
Letting these douchebags say all they want!
I mean, you took the first blow on purpose!
What?
If I avoid it, it could complicate things.
I can't get in trouble in a place like this.
If I use my device, I'll be expelled.
Th-that's true, but...
You didn't need to use Intetsu to get rid of them.
I'm not so sure about that.
Huh?
He's very strong.
Wow, what a disaster, what a misfortune.
You got hassled by Kuraudo Kurashiki, the Sword Eater.
He's the ace of Donro Academy, and he just picks on any and everyone who sticks out.
But your call was right, Kurogane.
Because he was in the top eight in last year's Seven Star Battle Festival.
Yes, that's absolutely right.
If you did anything violent, then I'd have had to hold all of you down right here.
Ikki. Who are these people?
The Vice-President of Hagun Academy's student council, Utakata Misogi, and...
Kanata Totokubara, who's in charge of accounting.
Student council...
So let me treat you, lower classman.
Show me the wound on your head.
Kurogane... Are you alright?
Yeah, thanks to Misogi, or the treatment.
It feels like the wound itself disappeared.
More importantly, Senpai, who are they?
If you don't wanna answer that, you don't have to.
But if you're in some kind of trouble with them, then I want to help you as a friend.
Kurogane...
From: Hagun Academy Administration To: Ikki Kurogane Subject: Re: Seven Star Battle Festival Dear Ikki Kurogane, Your opponent for the seventh selection match has been decided. You will be fighting Ayase Ayatsuji of Class 3-1. For more details, click the link below.
That was awesome, that coward!
That's a real weakling.
How can he be smiling after that? Impossible!
Maybe he's just smart enough to not go against Kuraudo.
One, two, three!
--One, two, three...
--She never showed up after that. --One, two, three...
--She never showed up after that.
--One, two, three!
--Aren't you liking that more, Stella?
--One, two, three...
--Aren't you liking that more, Stella?
--You were so jealous of her. --One, two, three!
--That's a different issue. --One, two, three...
--You're so selfish. --One, two, three...
--And your legs are huge. --One, two, three!
--They're not! --One, two, three!
They are.
--This is normal! --One, two, three...
--That's what you think. --One, two, three...
So she...really hasn't said anything?
Why?
If her goal is to make it to the Seven Star Battle Festival,
then she can't lose even one fight in the selection match.
But she has no chance of winning tomorrow at the match with you.
If that's the case...
she'll make some kind of move before then.
Am I wrong?
You really see things through, don't you, Alice?
From: Ayatsuji To: Ikki Kurogane Subject: Re: Seven Star Battle Festival I have something very important I can only talk to you about. I need your help. I'll be waiting at the rooftop of Building 11 at 3am.
This is so obviously a trap.
Ayatsuji is not the kind of person who does foul play.
She told me that she likes my hands.
So I'm going to see her.
You're so bright.
Bright?
Yeah, blindingly bright. It makes me envious sometimes.
I just can't bring myself to look into people's faces straight on.
But that's why, because of the way I am, I can see some things.
If anything should happen, you need to be prepared to end your friendship with her.
So that you won't stay half-upset.
Thanks.
But I won't be shaken no matter what happens.
Because I'm going to keep the promise I made to Stella.
"Ikiru nowa ma no michi, Megutte koete" Life is a road of evil, I go around and over
"Deaishi wa sadame ka, Mezame no chi wa makoto no yume" What I encounter, Is it fate? The land where I woke is the true dream
"Shinawa yori too hibi" Going back further than the days of myths
"Watashi wa honoo no tori" I'm a firebird
"Ou no kata o hanare" I left the shoulder of the king
"Guren no sora ni tonda" And flew into the crimson sky
"Nante negai tabi nano" What a long journey
"Kioku wa suna to mai" Memories hover around with sand
"Ima wa anata no ude" Now I'm in your arms
"Yatto yasuragi oboetemo" I finally learned peace, but...
"Mada tsubasa o tsurugi ni kae" Still I turned my wings into swords
"Aisuru wa shuradou, Kugutte ochite" Love is a road of the demon, I go through and down
"Matoshi wa hiiro no toge no yoroi" What I wear, It's scarlet armor with thorns
"Kono namami ga shi no hana nara" If this flesh and blood is the flower of death
"Anata no ken de sakasete hoshii" I want your sword to make me bloom
Sword Eater II