Chapter 32: The Invitation
Alright! Todays the day Ill finally teach you the art of handling the
Shinai!
Youre always so cheerful, arent you?
I wish youd tone it down when were sparring though.
The art of handling the Shinai? I thought you said we couldnt touch the
Shinai until we learned the proper etiquette?
I heard that from the coach too, but the other first-year students are
already learning the techniques and stances, even the initial moves. If you
fall behind, its going to be tough for you later on. So, I thought Id teach
you in secret.
Chinami...! How can you be so kind?
Im touched. Should I give you a special reward later?
Is that really okay? What if we get caught...
If we do, the coach might scold us publicly but will probably turn a blind
eye in private. After all, hed want you to learn from .
Is that so?
Absolutely. If the new team mbers who joined because they wanted to learn
Kendo only get taught how to manage equipnt, theyll lose interest in no
ti. The coach did give a warning, but lets learn in a place where the
other mbers cant see us. Sounds exciting, doesnt it?
A place where other mbers cant see us, huh...
Sohow that sounds a bit risqu.
Yes, Im excited.
You dont look it, though?
At Chinamis skeptical remark, my facial muscles stretched into an exaggerated
expression of ecstasy.
Chinami flinched at the sight of it and took a half-step back.
What... Whats with that sinister expression?
I was just showing you how pleased I am, but you call it sinister? Thats a
bit much.
Im happy, okay?
Is... that so...?
Yes, it is.
Hmm... alright then... for now...
After clearing her throat a few tis, she led to where the bamboo swords
were stored.
A Shinai isnt sothing you use for an extended period of ti, like
protective gear. Over ti, the bamboo warps and becos damaged, and in that
case, you must replace it imdiately. Its very dangerous if a splintered
piece gets lodged in soone during sparring. So, consider these Shinais
communal, like consumables.
Understood.
First, lets go over the structure of the Shinai. The leather grip encircling
the hilt is called Tsuba. Usually, when people say Tsuba, theyre referring
to the hilt, so rember that. And then...
Chinami started to point at various parts of the bamboo sword, explaining each
elent one by one.
Tsuba, Kodachi, Tsuru, Nakayui, Sakigawa, and so on...
Each part had its own na, and there were even different types depending on
the Shinais structure.
Did you morize all that?
Chinamis question ca after her ticulous explanation. I nodded hesitantly
before answering.
I think so.
Chinami then pointed to the sowhat chubby node at the lower part of the
Shinais blade.
So whats this part called?
Thats the Dojoji.
And this leather, and the round thing below it?
Nakayui and Kodachi.
And this area?
The Kakkobu.
You did well. Well have a test like this every day, so make sure you
morize it.
Yes, Master.
As I perford a bow typical for a student to a master, Chinamis eyes widened
in surprise.
Master? Im not a master. Im a fellow club mber, just like you.
But youre teaching , so that makes you my Master, right?
Oh ho...
She let out an admiring oh ho before quickly breaking into a satisfied
smile.
She must have liked my attitude.
I will always trust and follow you, Master.
Wow! That spirit... Excellent! Ill take great care to guide you diligently
from now on! Lets work on improving your skills swiftly and flawlessly.
Aiming for the Autumn tournant might be a stretch, but we can certainly
target the Winter competition! Alright, lets head out the back door and start
learning the techniques, shall we?
Wait, did she take my sugarcoated words seriously?
Still, its nice to see her so enthusiastic.
**
Matsuda-kun, what happened to your hands? Theyre really red.
Miyukis concerned question ca as we sat in the car. I shrugged my shoulders
before answering.
The washing machine broke down halfway, so I had no choice but to hand wash.
Washing the uniform in hot water could cause it to fade and shrink, so I had
to use cold water.
Really? That mustve been tough.
Its fine. Its actually fun when Im with Nanase-senpai.
Nanase? Are you talking about my friend?
Co to think of it, Miyukis friends last na was also Nanase.
I said senpai, didnt I? Shes a second-year student and also a manager like
.
Oh... I think Ive heard about her before... But its fun?
Yeah.
How is it fun? Do you guys joke around or sothing?
Her tone had a hint of prickliness, a telltale sign of rising jealousy.
This is good, very good.
Well, you know... Its hard to explain, we just do stuff.
Do you make lewd jokes like you do with ?
Were not that comfortable with each other to that extent.
Miyukis expression returned to normal.
The clear difference in our ranks seems to reassure her, but if she gets
competitive over sothing this trivial, shes going to have a tough ti when
I stir the pot for a threeso or fourso later on.
Alright... Just be careful not to make any mistakes.
I cant help but snicker at her half-hearted warning.
Got it. Now, switch to the passenger seat.
The passenger seat? Why?
Dont you know its courteous for soone to keep the driver company? What,
am I supposed to chauffeur you guys around?
How about Tetsuya-kun, then?
I dont let guys sit in the passenger seat.
My unyielding statent prompts Miyuki to chuckle as she gets out of the car.
She walks around cautiously, opens the door, and buckles her seatbelt in the
passenger seat.
Seeing the taut seatbelt squeezed between her breasts kindles my libido.
Soon it wont just be a seatbelt Ill be inserting there.
Satisfied?
Yeah. Shall we set off, leaving Miura behind?
Youre joking, right? I wont take that seriously this ti.
Im not joking, though.
Why the heck is he taking so long... Whats he doing, crafting a toilet to
take a dump?
As I grumble with a displeased expression, Miyuki giggles and places a piece
of candy on the center console.
Eat this to calm down.
What is it?
Cant you tell? Its candy.
I unenthusiastically unwrap the candy and pop it into my mouth.
I want a cookie.
Just hold out until tomorrow.
If you hadnt given the cookie you brought today to Miura, we wouldnt be
having this conversation. Either dont make them tasty or dont...
I only gave him one, just like you said. Is that really such a big deal?
Yes.
Miyuki shook her head at my terse but heartfelt reply.
Why are you acting like such a child today and yesterday? Its really
immature.
Jealous, yet pretending not to carehow typical of her.
Just as I was trading barbs with Miyuki, the back seat door opened and Tetsuya
hopped in, narrowing his eyes.
What took you so long, bast-
Matsuda-kun.
Miyuki cut off, sensing I was about to curse.
I changed my tune, catching her subtle cue.
Why are you so late?
Sorry, sorry... My stomach was really hurting... But why is Miyuki sitting
there?
Miyuki answered the question.
Its only polite to have soone in the front passenger seat. From next week
on, Tetsuya-kun should sit here Yes, we should take turns every week.
Is that so...? Alright.
Didnt I say I dont let guys sit in the front seat? Especially him; thats a
hard no.
As I started the car, Tetsuya, who had leaned forward between the front seats,
made a suggestion.
Tomorrows the weekend, why dont we all go sowhere?
Miyuki glanced at briefly, then made an awkward face.
Ah... um... Sorry, I have plans tomorrow.
What about in the evening?
I think Ill be busy then too... But lets go for a walk at night. We havent
done that in a while.
Miyuki, dont try to dodge the question. Shouldnt you be honest this ti so
that Tetsuya doesnt get suspicious? What if he sees my car parked at your
place while hes out?
For , well, if that happens, Ill just roll out the red carpet.
But wait, youre busy even in the evening? Are you planning to spend the late
hours with ?
Thats a sha. But lets make sure to go for that walk. Ah, and
Matsuda-kun.
A disappointed Tetsuya calls out to .
Seeing his face lifts my mood instantly, and I respond.
What is it?
While taking a break from club activities, I accidentally overheard a
conversation between Renka-senpai and Nanase-senpai... It seed like
Nanase-senpai thinks very highly of you. At this rate, youll likely hear so
good news soon.
Did the guy have a change of heart while taking a dump? Hes been oddly
helpful today.
Sigh. Thats not the best thing either.
I cant tell if what hes saying is intentional or not, but if he keeps
linking with Chinami, Miyuki is going to get annoyed. Look at hershe
already seems irritated.
Is that so? Thanks.
Sowhat grateful, I start the car.
***
Navy blue cotton shirt and beige band slacks.
This should strike the right balance between formality and a casual vibe.
Finishing the ensemble with loafers, I rolled up my shirt sleeves to the
elbows and stepped outside.
Its hot.
According to Tokiaca, Miyukis room doesnt have air conditioning.
Thankfully, the living room does. Im not sure if Ill end up in Miyukis room
today, but if I do, I can at least catch a cool breeze in the living room
beforehand.
Avoiding the harsh sunlight, I got into my car and headed straight for
Miyukis house.
Just when I was almost there, my phone rang. It was Miyuki.
Yeah.
-Where are you?
Ill be there in two minutes. Where should I park?
-Just parallel park in front of my dads car.
Is that okay?
-Yeah. I asked today. Dad was really surprised to hear you have a car. Want
to co out and et you?
Nah, co out and park the car for instead.
-Ill just stay inside. Hurry up.
With a cheerful voice, Miyuki hung up the phone.
Upon arriving at her house, I couldnt help but chuckle when I saw Miyuki
waiting outside, despite her claim of staying indoors.
Carefully finishing my parallel parking in front of Waterus car, I turned off
the ignition and stepped out. Miyukis gaze scanned from head to toe. It
seed like she approved of my outfit.
Where are your parents?
Theyre waiting. But you look tense, Is everything okay? Your face seems a
bit... stiff.
Its my first ti being invited for dinner... Im just a bit nervous.
At that, Miyukis eyes turned into crescents. As if to encourage , she
lightly patted on the back.
You can relax, you know.
Dont tease like you did at Itsuki. Ill die.
Look whos talking, Matsuda-kun.
Playfully teasing back, she then walked side by side with towards the
front door. Then, she opened it.
Welco, Matsuda-kun.
Co on in, Matsuda.
Standing at the entrance were Midori and Wateru, offering their warm
greetings. Even Kanna was there, waving at from behind them.
This familys mommy mikers never fails to impress .
Midoris chest against my back, Kannas laden with oil for a full-body
massage... and finally, Miyukis pressed against my face.
The thought of being surrounded by the bosoms of these three won brings
sheer joy.
Indulging in this delightful fantasy for a mont, I respectfully bowed.
Hello, its been a while since we last t.
Its terribly hot out, isnt it? Co on in.
Thank you. But, any chance youre planning to remove my clothes to cool
down? If so, please put a sleeping pill in Waterus drink.
Yes, please excuse then.
Once again offering a polite greeting, I stepped into Miyukis ho and took
off my shoes.
*
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