Chapter 23

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Inside the sanctuary stood a town that was fairly developed. Even though it was all wooden buildings instead of high-rises and such, the cityscape was beautiful nonetheless.

Among them was a castle-like building that was built so as to stick to a slightly overhanging rocky mountain. Cherry blossoms were planted around the building, making it look like a large park.

“It’s a beautiful structure.”

Ritsu muttered while looking at the giant castle-like building.

“That is the headquarters of the Yozakura clan.”

Izumi said while pointing at the large building.

“It’s…..big.”

“That’s just how strong the influence of the Yozakura clan is.”

Saijou, who heard Ritsu’s muttering, said while looking at the building.

“The martial-art factions each protect the north, south, east, and west gates. There are three more buildings like this, besides this one.”

Tanno murmured while rubbing the hilt of her sword.

“In addition to martial-arts, there is also an aristocratic organization called the Central House.”

Kuroi pointed at a distance and said.

“The Central House building is in the middle of the sanctuary. It’s pretty far though, considering how big the sanctuary really is.”

Izumi pressed forward after adding that.

From there, they talked about various other things, until they finally arrived at the headquarters.

(The cherry blossoms look stunning. Or more like, is it that time of the year now? I wonder if it’s alright to take the fallen petals; probably not.)

Ritsu walked towards the entrance while thinking that. Feeling a person’s presence walking out of the building, he side-stepped them.

“…You there, do you not see me?”

The person that walked out, called out to Ritsu.

“I see you, but is there a problem?”

Ritsu replied nonchalantly.

“Hou, seeing yet ignoring me, Sumeragi Masaki, an Ouchou on purpose. You should be paying your respects, instead of just passing by the corner of the steps. To me, who could be considered the next Ousei.”

“Ouchou… That’s the 3rd rank from the top, right? My bad, I didn’t realize who you were.”

Ritsu responded as if it all finally clicked in his head.

“‘Didn’t know’, huh. There exists no human that doesn’t recognize this ‘butterflies on cherry blossom’ insignia. Even if they’re from another clan!”

The man named Sumeragi stood in front of Ritsu threateningly.

“‘Another clan’? I believe the ranks in Yozakura style are only to depict your skill in martial arts. Within hierarchies, it’s important to pay respect to higher ranks and masters. However, it’s wrong to apply that to outsiders.”

“WHAT? You dare ridicule the Yozakura clan?!”

Sumeragi turned furious, and held his sword.

“The one who’s ridiculing it is you. I’d rather you stop taking actions that bring shame upon the school.”

Both sides refused to back down in front of each other.

“What are you doing!”

Izumi who had gone ahead, finally realized what was happening and came back.

“You’re too late.”

Saijou chided her silently and shook his head.

((Why didn’t you tell me!?))

Izumi quietly muttered back to Saijou.

((I’m not of the Four Great Clans, you know!? If I get carelessly marked by an Ouchou of all things, it would cause problems for my master and elder brothers! Besides, it’s your fault for realizing too late!))

“What is it with you all? I am talking to him right now. Don’t interrupt me.”

“Ouchou-dono, this man is the Oushuu‘s long-lost grandson, Ousei Yozakura Ritsu.”

Izumi stood in-between Sumeragi and Ritsu as she said that.

“Nonsense! The Oushuu‘s grandson was left out 54 years ago, and is by all means dead already. You dare spout such lies in front of me…”

“It is the truth, Ouchou-dono.”

Izumi didn’t yield an inch against Sumeragi.

“I cannot sense even a sliver of magic from that man. You’re telling me he survived the outside world? Ridiculous! He’d be devoured in an instant if he ever met a monster!”

“No. It’s the truth.”

“I see. So you dare make a fool out of me and drag the clan’s name in dust. I suppose a little pain here would serve as a good remedy for your insolence.”

Sumeragi drew out the sword held in his grip, and swung it down to reap Izumi’s life.

“Resorting to violence without hearing the other person out. Our school sure has fallen.”

Ritsu carried Izumi, and moved her slightly far away.

“How did you avoid that?”

“Our talent has fallen as well, it seems. I want to meet with gramps already so sorry, I can’t spend time on you right now.”

Ritsu headed to the reception while carrying Izumi in his arms.

“Halt!! You dare insult me to this extent?!”

Sumeragi spat out those words, before moving in to slash Ritsu down.

In the next instant, Sumeragi was sent rolling on the floor.

“Huh? How could this, to me?”

Dying his face deep-red, he tried standing up again.

“I’m in, a hurry.”

Letting Izumi down, Ritsu covered his right arm in Ki and continued dodging Sumeragi’s slashes, while occasionally parrying with his arm.

“Why do you keep dodging!? Have you lost the will to fight!”

“Are you seriously an Ouchou?”

(He’s so weak.)

Covering his left arm in Ki as well, Ritsu lightly placed his hand on Sumeragi’s solar plexus, and injected Ki into him at the same time as he exhaled.

“GAA, gu, u.”

Sumeragi crouched down on the ground, struggling to breathe.

“No way, the Ouchou was defeated.”

“Who is that guy?”

The crowd that had formed around them was in an uproar at the sudden turn of events.

“Yozakura-san, please forgive me. I keep showing my incompetent side. Let me guide you to the upper floors.”

Izumi confirmed something at the front desk, and hurriedly took Ritsu towards the stairs.

“Ousei-dono, we’ll be taking our leave from here.”

Saijou gave a small laugh and left the building. Kuroi also bowed lightly and went out.

“Then, I shall also return to my dojo.”

Tanno said so and turned her heels away.

“What floor is gramps on?”

“Oushuu-dono is on the topmost, 11th floor. The 11th floor isn’t exactly a part of the main building, so we can’t reach it from this staircase. I shall guide you partly along the way.”

“I see. I’m counting on you.”

Ritsu replied, while climbing the stairs and thinking about something.

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