Faced with Toshisuke's joke, Aoto did not react in any way.
Because just at that moment... to be more precise, right after hearing Kondo's reminder earlier, Aoto suddenly felt a flash of inspiration in his mind.
Inspiration is such a wonderful thing. When deliberately pursuing it, it's often elusive; when inadvertently possessed, it often appears suddenly and without forewarning.
"Mr. Tachibana?"
Toshisuke noticed Aoto's odd behavior and called him softly with a tone of curiosity.
But at this moment, Aoto could not hear any sounds from outside.
His entire mind was deeply immersed in thought.
The chaotic thoughts inside his head pieced together like fragments of a puzzle, rapidly forming a brand-new strategy.
Though quite risky, if executed well, this strategy would undoubtedly defeat Xuanwu Hall beautifully!
What a coincidence—almost at the same time, Hijikata also showed a look of sudden realization as if he had thought of something.
"...Tachibana."
"Hmm?" Aoto, gradually returning from his contemplation, turned his head to look at Hijikata, who had suddenly called him.
"I suddenly... have a new idea." Hijikata raised his head, earnestly locking eyes with Aoto. "For the competition in 7 days, would you be willing to serve as our Grand General?"
"What a coincidence..." Aoto chuckled, "Seems we both thought of the same thing..."
Time returns to the present—
"Ha..."
Aoto let out a breath of air, smiling self-deprecatingly.
"We really are reckless..."
The strategy that Aoto and Hijikata, coincidentally and collaboratively, devised 7 days ago was actually quite simple—
Have Toshisuke, Kondo, Hijikata, and Inoue hold off Chiba Daisaburo, while Aoto, who has extensive experience in overcoming greater numbers with fewer people, leads the remaining team to "annihilate" all opponents except Chiba Daisaburo, and then finally concentrate all forces to jointly tackle Chiba Daisaburo.
Simply put, this strategy ingeniously uses the mindset of many of Xuanwu Hall's participants who joined the event specifically wanting to battle Aoto.
Chiba Daisaburo's strength is unfathomable, so avoid fighting him first; instead, use a small skilled team to tangle with him.
Let Aoto, who's inherently targeted by opponents, lead the majority in a fierce assault, until Chiba Daisaburo becomes a "stranded general," then turn to deal with this Dual Swordsmanship Great Sword Hero!
The reason for choosing Aoto as the Grand General was simply to better "attract attention" and entice more people to engage with Aoto.
The whole strategy, though sounding perfect and feasible, was exceedingly risky, and many strongly opposed such aggressive tactics.
Messily debated until the evening of the day before yesterday, everyone finally resolved—there are no better plans we can come up with! Let's risk it with the strategy jointly laid out by Aoto and Hijikata!
"Waaahhhhh!"
Just as Aoto was silently marveling at their boldness, a sudden roar from behind interrupted his thoughts.
Someone, relying on exquisite footwork, had closed in on Aoto's rear flank, maintaining an upper-rank stance with a bamboo sword, which descended in a slash above Aoto's head like a snake emerging from its hole, aiming straight for the bowl on Aoto's forehead.
Seeing the situation, Aoto executed a Reverse Torso Slash from below.
Their attacks seemed neck-and-neck, but in reality, Aoto's sword struck first despite being later.
"Crack."
Yet another person's bowl was broken.
Renowned globally, Xuanwu Hall had shockingly lost two "heads" to Aoto in a blink.
A hint of anxiety began to surface on the face of the proud Tadomaru Yorozu.
Yet Chiba Daisaburo remained calm and unchanging.
Requesting monthly votes! Requesting recommendation votes! Recently a bit short, the author will strive to make it longer again! (Leopard Head Crying.jpg)

Comments

Loading...