Laid-Back Life in Tokyo: I Really Didn't Want to Work Hard Chapter 521 - 353: Demonstrating Strength

Shibuya District, Tokyo Arena.

Sitting behind the judges’ area, Uesugi Sakura could clearly feel that today’s match was drawing a lot more attention.

Occasionally, a few caras broadcasting the event would fly past him.

His upright and serious posture looked very handso.

Because of his looks, he had even been called the "Mysterious Prince" by so unscrupulous dia outlets.

When Uesugi Sakura saw this title, he nearly blurted out in his hotown dialect.

Damn!

That title is so cheesy.

He tried to avoid such uncomfortable feelings and focused his attention on the match.

In the center of the arena, Kusunoki Kubomaru, as the forward, was competing against Kanoyama Shigeki, a 32-year-old fifth-rank Deputy General from the Kasumi Shinto Style in Tokyo guro District.

Fifth rank...

Just from his vigor and spirit, one could understand in their heart that this person was formidable.

Both parties saluted each other, retreated a step, and bowed again.

The match began.

The 32-year-old fifth-rank participant was obviously a veteran figure.

Shindo Style has always been "accepting all who co, letting all who leave,"

if you want to learn, they will teach, if you want to leave, you may go.

Upon entering Shindo Style, there’s a condition known as "Blood Judgent."

The entrant must vow to practice the style diligently and correctly.

They uphold the testimony of the Sacred Decree.

First, after entering Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Style taught by Katori Great God, one must not arbitrarily speak or demonstrate techniques to parents, siblings, or fellows.

First, must not quarrel or disrespectfully use martial arts on others.

First, must not participate in gambling or frequent improper places.

First, cannot spar with other styles without permission.

These rules must be strictly observed, and if violated, one is willing to endure the divine punishnt of Katori Great God and Double Enemy Great God.

Even though Kasumi Shinto Style is a branch of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Style, these rules still apply.

The fifth-rank man undoubtedly has honed his skills to perfection.

Kusunoki Kubomaru was shorter, standing half a head lower than the man.

Sword Dao is also a martial art; having a larger fra definitely offers advantages.

Both were clad in protective gear; with the judge’s command, the tir began imdiately.

Kanoyama Shigeki from the Kasumi Shinto Style suddenly launched an aggressive attack.

After knocking off the opponent’s bamboo sword, he tried to strike the face directly.

The opponent approached nacingly.

Kusunoki Kubomaru steadied himself, withdrew his steps, lowered his center of gravity, and raised his sword to defend.

The bamboo sword sliced through the air.

Pop—!

After a fierce clash, the two bamboo swords intertwined together.

The opponent reacted very quickly.

But Kanoyama Shigeki could tell from experience that Kusunoki Kubomaru’s movent and defense leaned more towards practical swordsmanship.

He always emphasized a stable lower body.

Kanoyama Shigeki changed his strategy, stepping back.

At this mont, seeing the opponent’s weak posture, Kusunoki Kubomaru seized the montum and launched a counterattack, lowering his bamboo sword intending to strike the opponent’s face.

Chance!

Kanoyama Shigeki’s eyes shone from beneath the mask, having anticipated this attack from the opponent.

Or rather, he had set this trap early to lure the opponent to this step.

He exerted force in his arms and struck directly, pushing away Kusunoki Kubomaru’s bamboo sword.

Then launched another strike at the face.

Pop—! sounded upon impact.

The attack hit.

Kanoyama Shigeki imdiately retracted the remaining offensive, maintaining the Residual Heart after the attack.

This mont was swift.

The eyes of the three judges followed their footsteps.

One judge, in the instant the blow landed, raised the yellow flag representing Kanoyama Shigeki.

"Did he score?" Egetani Sawaki in the audience couldn’t quite see clearly.

"No, the other two judges didn’t raise their flags." Reporter Miyata Kazuhiko’s eyes were fixed unblinking on the center of the match.

In actuality, there was no score.

The facial strike by Kanoyama Shigeki was an "overhand attack."

The term "overhand" originates from volleyball, aning the point of attack is higher than the point of defense.

Kanoyama Shigeki’s striking wasn’t complete.

And when Kanoyama Shigeki reversed the blade, Kusunoki Kubomaru quickly withdrew the sword and raised a defense, blocking part of the attack.

It was this upward defense that resulted in the contact but incomplete hit.

From the other two judges’ perspective, it did not seem to hit, hence there was no score.

Frankly speaking, this kind of technique is the most troubleso.

Makes it feel like all the setup before was for nothing.

A perfectly good opportunity wasted.

Kanoyama Shigeki maintained a composed expression, not showing negative emotions at not scoring.

The young man was a champion from the past two years; his strength was not to be underestimated.

The two paused briefly and, under the judge’s call, returned to the starting line, assuming a Sword Dao stance.

The previous wave of offense had failed.

Just when the audience thought Kanoyama Shigeki might adopt a more reserved approach this round, he suddenly launched another aggressive attack!

The speed was so swift that the audience’s pupils seed to tremble along with it.

Push once; weary on the second; exhausted by the third.

Kanoyama Shigeki knew he could not forfeit the advantage of his size, that projecting force and montum was what he needed to do.

First strike for impact, second to control, third for Killing Intent.

The bamboo sword complented the steps, simultaneously pressing forward.

Kanoyama Shigeki let out a loud yell: "N!!"

"Impressive!"

Kusunoki Kubomaru was also utterly focused, his gaze not wavering from directly in front.

But facing such a vigorous and forceful strike, he unexpectedly did not dodge or retreat, twisting the hilt with both hands to counter-strike upwards!

Clatter, clatter, as if the bamboo strips were about to crack apart.

Kanoyama Shigeki clearly didn’t expect him to be so headstrong, and it sowhat hindered his movents.

While Kusunoki Kubomaru deflected the attack with a counterstrike, he twisted his wrist again, shifted his center of gravity, and took a sideways step, launching a sudden side sword attack from Kanoyama Shigeki’s right sword edge.

Suddenly, another loud yell: