20 Chapter 20: Adoration
-Suguha's Past-
In all of her life, Kirigaya Suguha wasn't able to rebel his strict and strong grandfather.
"Listen, you must be strong in the body so you can be strong in mind too." (Kazuki)
Hearing the old-fashioned grandfather of her, she couldn't help to hide her emotion and answer to it stiffly.
"...I understand." (Suguha)
That is the first step of her taking Kendo.
*******
*PANG!*
"Ugh!!...It Hurts!" (Kirito)
"Stand up!! Don't whine about the pain already!! This is just the beginning!!" (Kazuki)
Training, training and more training.
Every day, every morning, and every time, her grandfather constantly berate Suguha and Kirito to spar with him personally in a form of one-on-one match.
However, to someone who watches it from sidelines, it is just a form of abuse of an adult to a child and nothing less.
It was tiring to do it every day.
It was frustrating to lose every time.
Most of all,.... it is painful to get beaten in every match.
Kirito and Suguha too are the same. They are not a genius war child nor somebody with huge talent regarding kendo. Therefore, it is much more stressing and painful to cope with Kazuki's lesson.
Which is why.
"Stop it! Don't bully my brother anymore!!" (Suguha)
She finally snaps from the accumulated stress and explodes it all out to her grandfather. In order to prevent her brother from getting beaten, she stands between Kirito and grandfather.
"Su-Suguha..." (Kirito)
"Please stop it, grandpa!! Don't hurt my big brother anymore!! I will do all the work for him!!" (Suguha)
To protect her beloved brother, to shield him from any upcoming unberable pain, she stands up even if she needs to oppose her scary grandfather.
That was her most strong decision in her entire life.
At the same time,
It was the most regretful decision she had to choose.
*****
-Present-
*Chirp* *Chirp* (birds' sound)
*Riiiiiiiiing!!!* (Alarm)
".....Uhm.... let me sleep...."
*Riiiiiiiiiing!!!*
"....Aah!.....really..."
*Riii- beep* (Alarm stop)
While stopping the alarm, the current 13 years old Suguha slowly wake up from his comfy bed and stretch her tired body.
"...Fuwaaaaah...already morning again...." (Suguha)
Rubbing her half-closed eyes, she stands up and prepares for the morning practice with her grandfather again.
"Haaahh.... today, I feel especially moody and tired."
After promising with her grandfather and resolve her decision, she really did double of the training she did in the past. As for the result, her brother is able to enjoy his hobby peacefully even until now.
But,
(...I guess it was wrong...But, what am I supposed to do anyway?)
The result wasn't what she was expecting. No, maybe it can be worse depending on the perspective.
Just like in the past, she trains with her grandfather every morning for a minimum of one hour, no less. Sometimes, it can be more than two hours if she is less satisfactory in Kazuki's eyes.
....Moreover, her brother began to stay away from her even until now.
She really didn't understand the reason. Although she didn't hate her brother for it, she feels.....sad.
No encouragement, no words of apology or even one word of thanks to her. Worse, he begun to hole up, playing with his computer at least half of the day.
"...Guess no use to complain. I should prepare."
After saying that, she stretches her stiffen body for a full 10 minutes to warm up for the upcoming hellish training.
"Huhp!!....Fuuh. Okay!"
*Slap* *slap* (slapping both of her cheeks with both hands.)
"let's work hard for today too!"
*******
Changing into hakama and gi, she also perfectly wears the protection set in perfectly in a short 3 minutes. It really shows her of being used to it.
(Note: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Kendo_uniform_parts.png. see this if you don't know.)
While doing so,
*Pang* *Pang*
(Huh?)
"Who is in the dojo already?"
She heard the sound she is familiar with, clashing of two shinais against each other. For a moment, she has slight hope for her brother to train with her again but soon shook her head.
(...No, big brother doesn't like kendo anymore.)
She definitely can assure that one person is her grandfather but she doesn't have the slightest clue for the other one. All this time, she never sees her grandfather have a friend visiting and spar with him.
Then who is it?
"...I guess taking a peek won't be a harm."
While deciding so, she heads toward the entrance of the dojo. Each step closer to the dojo, the sound of shinai clashing each other become louder.
*Pang* *PANG!*
When she arrived at the entrance of dojo seeing the sight inside,
"...Eh?"
She can't help being shocked tremendously from the bottom of his heart.
******
As she expected, one side is her grandfather.
As for the other side.....
(Who....is he? ...So handsome.... No!? More than that, my grandfather is being pushed back by him!?)
For a moment, she is charmed by the facial feature of the man's glowing silver hair and bright golden eyes, but soon she snaps out of it and focuses on the more important thing.
(No....way!! That, that grandfather is really being pushed!! Moreover, he can't counterattack!)
She really doubts her eyes at this moment.
After all, she herself knows the most of her grandfather' skill in kendo is really high-level. The title of grandmaster is not an understatement to him.
Even so, the other side is even more amazing.
Judging from how he swings, Suguha notices that the man didn't have much experience in doing kendo or never before. However, the way he moves, step in and strike her grandfathers, it shows that his physical prowess is ridiculously high and used to battle.
Therefore,
(.....Just with that only, he can be standing equally with my grandfather.)
She can't believe it.
Even so, the reality is in front of him so she can't deny it no matter how much she wants to. Moreover, the biggest proof is that her grandfather never even once strike back because the opponent' shinai is too fast and powerful to handle for him.
".....Fuuuuuh. Here I come." (Kazuki)
*Dash*
After a while, the opponent steps back and fixes his posture. The next moment, both of them dash to the front at the same time while preparing for the next strike.
She instinctively feels it.
(This, will be the last strike.)
And her prediction was right in the middle.
*PANG!*
*****
"...He had a draw with THAT grandfather." (Suguha)
Mutters Suguha under her breath.
For her, she spars with her grandfather all these years but never even able to win won. Even though she can reach quarter-final in the national match, she doesn't feel even close to his footstep.
But, the man in front of him did it.
Adding to that, it is more unbelievable that a man only in the early 20s at most able to stand equally with an old master who practices for decades.
The next scene also surprises her more.
"...will..impart skills..to you....an honor.... me too." (Kazuki)
(..I never see grandfather smiles that way.)
Right now, Kazuki is wearing a kind and gentle smile he never directed even to her granddaughter but to a stranger, he never met.
It is truly a complicated feeling.
Even so,
"....Amazing...." (Suguha)
She respects and admires this mysterious man.
At the same time,
(Who is he?)
She has begun to incredibly curious the identity of the handsome man in front of her.
"Ah, looks like it's time for her to come. Suguha, come inside. There's somebody I want to introduce to you." (Kazuki)
"Y-yes!!"
It is time to meet officially.
*****
"Rein, let me introduce you to my granddaughter, Suguha. Right now, she currently trains with me in Kendo too." (Kazuki)
"N-nice to meet you Rein-san! My name is Kirigaya Suguha!" (Suguha)
After the fight, he finally meets with one of the heroines in the story. Just like described in the anime, she really is cute in Rein' eyes.
Short-bob haired that express her high spirit,
Grey eyes that are close to black.
....Lastly, her good proportion body that doesn't fit her age at all.
(Note: Look at her on the internet. I'm no kidding. Her body is no joke. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiEv7-3xvfdAhUJCTQIHUY-DzoQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerochan.net%2FKirigaya%2BSuguha&psig=AOvVaw1_6MNJPZDR7iojLsTIOLWL&ust=1539112303273600)
Moreover, the kendo' equipment she wears right now fits her perfectly. It feels like she is one with it with no sense of discomfort.
Responding to the greetings, Rein also responds to her politely with a faint smile.
"Hello, Kirigaya-san. Nice to meet you too. Right now, I don't have a surname so you can call me Rein."
"Y-yes!" (Suguha)
WIth full of nervousness, Suguha responds back with a flushed face and stutter after seeing him smile brightly to her directly.
(Uhhh... Although from a girl like me may be weird to say, isn't his face is too bright?) (Suguha)
....Well, it looks like she has lack of resistanthe against boys other than her brother . Especially a man like Rein who surpasses the idol class feature easily.
Seeing her react like this, Rein forms a mix of a wry and bitter smile in his face.
(I guess she is also a girl.)
Although his thought may be rude, it is his honest opinion. After all, she never sees her make up no matter what situation it is. She really didn't coordinate herself much on her hair either.
Adding to that, since she trains with kendo from childhood until now, she is close to boyish style rather than girlish.
However, he can honestly say that her bare face like this with a flushed face is still really cute in anybody' eyes.
"Umm... you don't need to be that nervous, Kirigaya-san. My age is not that far for you, so be more casual." (Rein)
"I-I understand! " (Suguha)
(...I guess it still takes time.) (Rein)
In any case, it is their first meeting so he can't do anything about it.
"Ah, right. I heard that you are one of the quarter-finals contestants in the national tournament. Is it true Kirigaya-san?" (Rein)
"EH!? You, you've heard of it!?" (Suguha)
"Really Rein? I thought you are interested in Kendo just recently." (Kazuki)
"No, I am interested in Kendo from few days only Kazuki. But, I watch from the television once that a middle school girl was able to reach one of the quarter-finals. Hearing her name, I thought it is her. So, is it true?" (Rein)
"Y-yes." (Suguha)
"Ohhh... You are really amazing Kirigaya-san. I guess your talent and most of all, your hard work is contributing a lot to it." (Rein)
"E-ehehe.. not that much." (Suguha)
Respond Suguha while blushing and scratching her cheeks happily.
When compliments to her that not only talent but hard work, Suguha really feels happy. After all, she never got a word of praise even from her grandfather even once. Adding to that, pointing out that hard work affects a lot rather than talent, she really feels fulfilled too since she herself know the best that kendo is not only about talent.
Of course, an experienced man like Rein also knows it so he deliberately shows a bit exaggerated reaction to break her tension.
(....Haha, I guess she really is just a normal girl. She's really simple and pure.) (Rein)
"Hmph, she still has a long way to go. Don't spoil her too much." (Kazuki)
It looks like to her strict grandfather, praise is not in his dictionary.
"Haha, okay then. Kazuki, when will we able to train? We can do it slowly if you are too busy training your granddaughter." (Rein)
"??....You don't need to worry about my body. Even though I am old, I can still move better than most people in their prime. Tomorrow, Just come around at this time. I will slowly teach my skill to you personally." (Kazuki)
"...Alright then. I will graciously take your offer."
"....Eh? Rein-san, you will come here to train?" (Suguha)
"...Ah, is it not good for you Kirigaya-san? Am I...being a bother?" (Rein)
"N-no! Not at all!! I'm just surprised!" (Suguha)
....Actually, she really did not have any complaints. In fact, she feels happy for someone other than her will be accompanying during training. However, when Rein asks her with drooping eyes and sad face, she has begun to guilty and end up flustered.
....Truly, Rein can be called tactician for leading people's emotion.
Take a wrong step and seeing it in the wrong angle, He is just a millimeter away from being a scumbag.
"Ah, I am glad. Let's get along from now on, Kirigaya-san." (Rein)
"Y-yes." (Suguha)
*Shake hand*
In any case, Suguha felt that she will have more colorful training than the past. ...Although it is not in the form she expected for, she still feels excited.
"..That's right. Rein, I have a favor." (Kazuki)
"Hm? What is it?" (Rein)
"It's a good opportunity. Do you want to spare Suguha too? It will be a good experience to her too against with another expert like you."
"...What?"
"EH?! M-me with Rein-san!?" (Suguha)
Both of them looked toward each other, seeing the other' surprised face.
It was quite an unexpected offer to both of them.
In all of her life, Kirigaya Suguha wasn't able to rebel his strict and strong grandfather.
"Listen, you must be strong in the body so you can be strong in mind too." (Kazuki)
Hearing the old-fashioned grandfather of her, she couldn't help to hide her emotion and answer to it stiffly.
"...I understand." (Suguha)
That is the first step of her taking Kendo.
*******
*PANG!*
"Ugh!!...It Hurts!" (Kirito)
"Stand up!! Don't whine about the pain already!! This is just the beginning!!" (Kazuki)
Training, training and more training.
Every day, every morning, and every time, her grandfather constantly berate Suguha and Kirito to spar with him personally in a form of one-on-one match.
However, to someone who watches it from sidelines, it is just a form of abuse of an adult to a child and nothing less.
It was tiring to do it every day.
It was frustrating to lose every time.
Most of all,.... it is painful to get beaten in every match.
Kirito and Suguha too are the same. They are not a genius war child nor somebody with huge talent regarding kendo. Therefore, it is much more stressing and painful to cope with Kazuki's lesson.
Which is why.
"Stop it! Don't bully my brother anymore!!" (Suguha)
She finally snaps from the accumulated stress and explodes it all out to her grandfather. In order to prevent her brother from getting beaten, she stands between Kirito and grandfather.
"Su-Suguha..." (Kirito)
"Please stop it, grandpa!! Don't hurt my big brother anymore!! I will do all the work for him!!" (Suguha)
To protect her beloved brother, to shield him from any upcoming unberable pain, she stands up even if she needs to oppose her scary grandfather.
That was her most strong decision in her entire life.
At the same time,
It was the most regretful decision she had to choose.
*****
-Present-
*Chirp* *Chirp* (birds' sound)
*Riiiiiiiiing!!!* (Alarm)
".....Uhm.... let me sleep...."
*Riiiiiiiiiing!!!*
"....Aah!.....really..."
*Riii- beep* (Alarm stop)
While stopping the alarm, the current 13 years old Suguha slowly wake up from his comfy bed and stretch her tired body.
"...Fuwaaaaah...already morning again...." (Suguha)
Rubbing her half-closed eyes, she stands up and prepares for the morning practice with her grandfather again.
"Haaahh.... today, I feel especially moody and tired."
After promising with her grandfather and resolve her decision, she really did double of the training she did in the past. As for the result, her brother is able to enjoy his hobby peacefully even until now.
But,
(...I guess it was wrong...But, what am I supposed to do anyway?)
The result wasn't what she was expecting. No, maybe it can be worse depending on the perspective.
Just like in the past, she trains with her grandfather every morning for a minimum of one hour, no less. Sometimes, it can be more than two hours if she is less satisfactory in Kazuki's eyes.
....Moreover, her brother began to stay away from her even until now.
She really didn't understand the reason. Although she didn't hate her brother for it, she feels.....sad.
No encouragement, no words of apology or even one word of thanks to her. Worse, he begun to hole up, playing with his computer at least half of the day.
"...Guess no use to complain. I should prepare."
After saying that, she stretches her stiffen body for a full 10 minutes to warm up for the upcoming hellish training.
"Huhp!!....Fuuh. Okay!"
*Slap* *slap* (slapping both of her cheeks with both hands.)
"let's work hard for today too!"
*******
Changing into hakama and gi, she also perfectly wears the protection set in perfectly in a short 3 minutes. It really shows her of being used to it.
(Note: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Kendo_uniform_parts.png. see this if you don't know.)
While doing so,
*Pang* *Pang*
(Huh?)
"Who is in the dojo already?"
She heard the sound she is familiar with, clashing of two shinais against each other. For a moment, she has slight hope for her brother to train with her again but soon shook her head.
(...No, big brother doesn't like kendo anymore.)
She definitely can assure that one person is her grandfather but she doesn't have the slightest clue for the other one. All this time, she never sees her grandfather have a friend visiting and spar with him.
Then who is it?
"...I guess taking a peek won't be a harm."
While deciding so, she heads toward the entrance of the dojo. Each step closer to the dojo, the sound of shinai clashing each other become louder.
*Pang* *PANG!*
When she arrived at the entrance of dojo seeing the sight inside,
"...Eh?"
She can't help being shocked tremendously from the bottom of his heart.
******
As she expected, one side is her grandfather.
As for the other side.....
(Who....is he? ...So handsome.... No!? More than that, my grandfather is being pushed back by him!?)
For a moment, she is charmed by the facial feature of the man's glowing silver hair and bright golden eyes, but soon she snaps out of it and focuses on the more important thing.
(No....way!! That, that grandfather is really being pushed!! Moreover, he can't counterattack!)
She really doubts her eyes at this moment.
After all, she herself knows the most of her grandfather' skill in kendo is really high-level. The title of grandmaster is not an understatement to him.
Even so, the other side is even more amazing.
Judging from how he swings, Suguha notices that the man didn't have much experience in doing kendo or never before. However, the way he moves, step in and strike her grandfathers, it shows that his physical prowess is ridiculously high and used to battle.
Therefore,
(.....Just with that only, he can be standing equally with my grandfather.)
She can't believe it.
Even so, the reality is in front of him so she can't deny it no matter how much she wants to. Moreover, the biggest proof is that her grandfather never even once strike back because the opponent' shinai is too fast and powerful to handle for him.
".....Fuuuuuh. Here I come." (Kazuki)
*Dash*
After a while, the opponent steps back and fixes his posture. The next moment, both of them dash to the front at the same time while preparing for the next strike.
She instinctively feels it.
(This, will be the last strike.)
And her prediction was right in the middle.
*PANG!*
*****
"...He had a draw with THAT grandfather." (Suguha)
Mutters Suguha under her breath.
For her, she spars with her grandfather all these years but never even able to win won. Even though she can reach quarter-final in the national match, she doesn't feel even close to his footstep.
But, the man in front of him did it.
Adding to that, it is more unbelievable that a man only in the early 20s at most able to stand equally with an old master who practices for decades.
The next scene also surprises her more.
"...will..impart skills..to you....an honor.... me too." (Kazuki)
(..I never see grandfather smiles that way.)
Right now, Kazuki is wearing a kind and gentle smile he never directed even to her granddaughter but to a stranger, he never met.
It is truly a complicated feeling.
Even so,
"....Amazing...." (Suguha)
She respects and admires this mysterious man.
At the same time,
(Who is he?)
She has begun to incredibly curious the identity of the handsome man in front of her.
"Ah, looks like it's time for her to come. Suguha, come inside. There's somebody I want to introduce to you." (Kazuki)
"Y-yes!!"
It is time to meet officially.
*****
"Rein, let me introduce you to my granddaughter, Suguha. Right now, she currently trains with me in Kendo too." (Kazuki)
"N-nice to meet you Rein-san! My name is Kirigaya Suguha!" (Suguha)
After the fight, he finally meets with one of the heroines in the story. Just like described in the anime, she really is cute in Rein' eyes.
Short-bob haired that express her high spirit,
Grey eyes that are close to black.
....Lastly, her good proportion body that doesn't fit her age at all.
(Note: Look at her on the internet. I'm no kidding. Her body is no joke. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiEv7-3xvfdAhUJCTQIHUY-DzoQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerochan.net%2FKirigaya%2BSuguha&psig=AOvVaw1_6MNJPZDR7iojLsTIOLWL&ust=1539112303273600)
Moreover, the kendo' equipment she wears right now fits her perfectly. It feels like she is one with it with no sense of discomfort.
Responding to the greetings, Rein also responds to her politely with a faint smile.
"Hello, Kirigaya-san. Nice to meet you too. Right now, I don't have a surname so you can call me Rein."
"Y-yes!" (Suguha)
WIth full of nervousness, Suguha responds back with a flushed face and stutter after seeing him smile brightly to her directly.
(Uhhh... Although from a girl like me may be weird to say, isn't his face is too bright?) (Suguha)
....Well, it looks like she has lack of resistanthe against boys other than her brother . Especially a man like Rein who surpasses the idol class feature easily.
Seeing her react like this, Rein forms a mix of a wry and bitter smile in his face.
(I guess she is also a girl.)
Although his thought may be rude, it is his honest opinion. After all, she never sees her make up no matter what situation it is. She really didn't coordinate herself much on her hair either.
Adding to that, since she trains with kendo from childhood until now, she is close to boyish style rather than girlish.
However, he can honestly say that her bare face like this with a flushed face is still really cute in anybody' eyes.
"Umm... you don't need to be that nervous, Kirigaya-san. My age is not that far for you, so be more casual." (Rein)
"I-I understand! " (Suguha)
(...I guess it still takes time.) (Rein)
In any case, it is their first meeting so he can't do anything about it.
"Ah, right. I heard that you are one of the quarter-finals contestants in the national tournament. Is it true Kirigaya-san?" (Rein)
"EH!? You, you've heard of it!?" (Suguha)
"Really Rein? I thought you are interested in Kendo just recently." (Kazuki)
"No, I am interested in Kendo from few days only Kazuki. But, I watch from the television once that a middle school girl was able to reach one of the quarter-finals. Hearing her name, I thought it is her. So, is it true?" (Rein)
"Y-yes." (Suguha)
"Ohhh... You are really amazing Kirigaya-san. I guess your talent and most of all, your hard work is contributing a lot to it." (Rein)
"E-ehehe.. not that much." (Suguha)
Respond Suguha while blushing and scratching her cheeks happily.
When compliments to her that not only talent but hard work, Suguha really feels happy. After all, she never got a word of praise even from her grandfather even once. Adding to that, pointing out that hard work affects a lot rather than talent, she really feels fulfilled too since she herself know the best that kendo is not only about talent.
Of course, an experienced man like Rein also knows it so he deliberately shows a bit exaggerated reaction to break her tension.
(....Haha, I guess she really is just a normal girl. She's really simple and pure.) (Rein)
"Hmph, she still has a long way to go. Don't spoil her too much." (Kazuki)
It looks like to her strict grandfather, praise is not in his dictionary.
"Haha, okay then. Kazuki, when will we able to train? We can do it slowly if you are too busy training your granddaughter." (Rein)
"??....You don't need to worry about my body. Even though I am old, I can still move better than most people in their prime. Tomorrow, Just come around at this time. I will slowly teach my skill to you personally." (Kazuki)
"...Alright then. I will graciously take your offer."
"....Eh? Rein-san, you will come here to train?" (Suguha)
"...Ah, is it not good for you Kirigaya-san? Am I...being a bother?" (Rein)
"N-no! Not at all!! I'm just surprised!" (Suguha)
....Actually, she really did not have any complaints. In fact, she feels happy for someone other than her will be accompanying during training. However, when Rein asks her with drooping eyes and sad face, she has begun to guilty and end up flustered.
....Truly, Rein can be called tactician for leading people's emotion.
Take a wrong step and seeing it in the wrong angle, He is just a millimeter away from being a scumbag.
"Ah, I am glad. Let's get along from now on, Kirigaya-san." (Rein)
"Y-yes." (Suguha)
*Shake hand*
In any case, Suguha felt that she will have more colorful training than the past. ...Although it is not in the form she expected for, she still feels excited.
"..That's right. Rein, I have a favor." (Kazuki)
"Hm? What is it?" (Rein)
"It's a good opportunity. Do you want to spare Suguha too? It will be a good experience to her too against with another expert like you."
"...What?"
"EH?! M-me with Rein-san!?" (Suguha)
Both of them looked toward each other, seeing the other' surprised face.
It was quite an unexpected offer to both of them.
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