21 Chapter 21: Let's Get Along Well

".....Right. That's good for me too. But, how about you Kirigaya-san?" (Rein)

"M-me!?" (Suguha)

*Nods*

"I come to Kazuki comes to train about swordsmanship. Therefore, it doesn't have to be him only for sparring partner. Moreover, it can be a good change of pace by fighting a different opponent." (Rein)

"I...see." (Suguha.)

Truthfully, she actually feels that this change is not bad either. After all, she does feel kind of dull to be in an endless loop of being beaten by her grandfather and rematch again for years.

But,

(Can I....keep up with him?) (Suguha)

That's what worrying Suguha right now.

She just saw personally of how strong does Rein is by fighting with her grandfather. Moreover, not only he can stand equally with him, he can even draw with Kazuki easily.

(...I'm just going to be a burden. The-) (Suguha)

"Don't worry." (Rein)

"..Eh?"

Snapping out of her muddled thought, a kind voice redirects her toward the source, which is Rein smiling gently to her.

"Kirigaya-san, like I said before, this is just a spar, not a match where we fight with everything we got." (Rein)

"...Ah." (Suguha)

"Of course, if you are busy or tired with the school work and club, I won't force you. But, if you feel it's doable, ..... I also want to spar with you too."

"!!"

From that words, Suguha has no need to hesitate anymore. Since the person himself has already said his wish, Suguha immediately throws her hesitation inside her heart. After all, she herself is very competitive in everything, especially kendo.

Therefore,

"I understand. I will do it!" (Suguha)

Answering her strong determination, Rein answers her with a provocative smile.

"That's good. But, I can't hold back easily so don't blame me if you get hurt." (Rein)

"Don't worry!! Even if I look like this, my body is very tough!!" (Suguha)

With this, both of them have reached an agreement without a problem.

Seeing this scene, it naturally brings a smile to Kazuki.

These few years, he always led Suguha in Kendo without skipping a single day because he felt that it's his responsibility as a grandparent to raise her properly.

However, after Kazuto, another of his grandson quit doing kendo by her request, even if she gets strong enough until reaching the quarter-final, she doesn't smile much anymore.

Bit by bit, it felt like seeing some piece of her relationship with his granddaughter is falling apart.

(...I really should be grateful for this meeting.) (Kazuki)

Now, because of the unexpected guest, she finally has begun to smile brightly like the past.

"...Looks like both of you have reached an agreement. Then, let's begin immediately." (Kazuki)

Changes have finally come to this static family.

******

-A few moments later-

"..Are both of you ready?" (Kazuki)

"Yeah. Anytime." (Rein)

"Yes!" (Suguha)

After both have their consent, they are facing each other for Suguha wear full equipment of Kendo while Rein takes off his outerwear only without wearing anything except the shinai.

Actually, Kazuki recommended him to wear if it is necessary but Rein politely decline it because it decreases his speed and eyesight vision. Suguha also didn't object since she doesn't have the leisure to worries about Rein. Rather, she prioritizes more about herself right now on how to beat Rein.

(....Actual front is no good, He can easily predict it. Dragging the fight is out of option too since I can't keep up with his speed.)

Her choice is very limited.

No matter how much spirit she has, there still existed the cold reality of overwhelming differences of abilities between both of them.

Even if Suguha had faced with an impossible opponent like Kazuki, Rein's nature is different.

To be specific,

(....I feel like being crushed down if I just let my guard down for an instant.) (Suguha)

Rein's heavy pressure emitting around his body is no joke, especially to Suguha facing directly. Even if Rein is wearing the same gentle face and kind smile, the aura he exudes is completely the opposite.

(....No! I can't fall down now! Get ahold of yourself, Suguha! No matter what the result is, I won't give up!)

Even so, she won't fall down.

because the word giving up will not be on her vocabulary.

"Then...." (Kazuki)

After a few seconds of silences.....

...

.....

.....

"BEGIN!!"

******

*Dash*

"Yaaaaahhh!!" (Suguha)

After pondering before the match, the answer she got was really simple and straightforward.

(Strike while the opponent didn't expect it!! That's my only chance!)

That is correct.

In analogy, it's nonsense for a small child able to defeat a full grown who is trained. Even so, that doesn't mean a fight is just something you clash each other. Martial arts and techniques are developed to humans so they can be stronger even though they have tons of weaknesses on their body.

Therefore, Suguha will attack Rein who look defenseless at the moment.

....However,

*Pang!*

"Quite fast, as expected of the granddaughter of Kazuki." (Rein)

"Kuh!?" (Suguha)

It didn't reach.

Before Suguha is able to attack Rein's throat with her shinai's end, Rein immediately raised the shinai for blocking it easily as breathing.

To someone like Rein who fight with Yuuji day-and-night for 4 months, predicting attacks from body movement is a must for him to survive longer and kill efficiently.

Although Suguha is quite skilled, her opponent is just too strong.

Even so,

"Haaahhh!!" (Suguha)

*Pang* *Pang!* *PANG!!*

She won't stop.

Face, throat, chest, and hand.

Rather than just drooping on her powerlessness, she relentlessly strikes Rein even though he blocked it again and again, without moving a single step.

This process continues for a long 5 minutes without stop.

(.....Amazing. I didn't expect her determination is this strong....) (Rein)

Right now, Rein truly respects and applauds this girl in front of him who still continuously attack without stopping.

Not giving up while standing in front of the impossible wall.

Rather than cowering, go to action.

In a sense, she is reckless.

However, to Rein, it is something priceless that can't be easily obtained.

"Hah....Haahh *Breathe heavily*" (Suguha)

"Looks like it's your limit." (Rein)

"Not...yet, I ....still!!" (Suguha)

Even so, she needs a stopper right now. If she pushes his limit like this, her body may break before her soul.

Rein immediately moves to action to become that stopper.

"Fuh!" (Rein)

*Dash*

(Fast!! Need to--) (Suguha)

"Too late."

*Fwisssh*

"STOP! Victory goes to Rein." (Kazuki)

In front of Suguha's face, the Shinai is pointing at her directly only for a few millimeters. if she receives it, she will pass out immediately due to the strong impact.

She could tell why does Rein didn't strike her. He holds back so she won't have any complication later for the rest of the day. After all, stopping the shinai in them in the middle of the strike requires a high degree of control in the hand itself.

Therefore,

(It's my....complete loss.) (Suguha)

"I....concede."

After that, Rein slowly retracts his shinai and step back.

The result is over undramatically with just one move.

" *taking off helmet* Fuuuhh... I really can't beat you, Rein-san. You are too fast." (Suguha)

"Haha, it's only my advantage. You are also amazing Kirigaya-san. Just from this match, I can tell how much dedication you put into Kendo. Not anybody can do that." (Rein)

"Hehe!! Of course! I myself is proud of it!!"

Responded Suguha cheerfully with a full smile and peace sign with her right hand.

(....I really envy Kirito now.) (Rein)

In his past life, he may have the highest wealth to enjoy for a lifetime, fame that'll be recorded in history and countless women in his beck and call if he wished to.

But, he himself rejected that way of life because of its emptiness.

Kirito is different.

He may stumble upon the road and lose someone important. However, at the end of his road, there will always be his friends stay by his side, a family that will support him and.... loved ones to protect him.

Reaching to this point, a bitter smile forms in Rein's face.

(I guess, it's not just my fate to have it easy.)

In any case, he who is the outsider and traveler that will go a variety of worlds is hard to have a proper bond.

"....Rein-san? Are you okay? Is there something worrying you?"

Hearing Suguha's worried voice, he immediately snapped out of his muddled thoughts and smiled back in order to relieve her.

"....No, I'm fine. ....By the way, Kirigaya-san, are you sure you can lax at this time? Won't you be late for school?"

"....Eh?...AH!? Crap, I forgot! Grandfather, I'm sorry but--" (Suguha)

*Nods*

"It's fine. Go take a bath and then eat breakfast. I already prepare it for you at the table." (Kazuki)

"Th-thank you!! Then, excuse me first Rein-san!"

*Da* *Da* *Da!* (Sound of hurried footstep.)

"...I never thought you are a caring grandfather too, Kazuki." (Rein)

"....Hmph. Of course, I am. It is the obvious duty as her grandpa." (Kazuki)

"Pft, hahaha! ....You really are not honest. ...Well, I finished my business for today so I shall go--"

"Wait." (Kazuki)

*grab*

"Umm....could you please don't grab my shoulder that strong? It hurts...you know."

"Hmph, stop overreacting. ...Let's talk about your payment."

"AH. Right, I forgot about that."

Even if Kazuki himself feels honored and happy for Rein to train under him, that doesn't mean he can do it for free.

Like a certain wise person once said, "Cleanly divide your relationship with money."

"....Then, how much is--" (Rein)

"I'm not talking about money. An old man like me doesn't need it." (Kazuki

"What?"

Doesn't need money?

(Then, what does he want then?)

Sensing Rein's doubt, Kazuki simply smiles to him devilishly.

"Don't worry, it's a simple task to repel insects around my family member."

....Hearing that, Rein feels it is a mistake to come here in the first place.

******

-A few moments later-

"Umm...Rein-san, is it really fine with you? Aren't you busy?" (Suguha)

"....No, it's fine. I myself don't have much problem. Rather than me, are you fine with me accompanying you to school?" (Rein)

"N-no it's fine!! I mean, it is really assuring someone strong as you to protect me!"

(Although, it can be a bit bad for my heart.)

No matter how long she has trained with her grandfather, in the end, she is still a normal middle school girl.

Just imagine it, you, who is just a normal person can be found anywhere will be accompanied by an extremely handsome man exclusively. Rather than being proud about it, Suguha feels pressured.

...Heck, for a moment she thought that Rein is living in a different world than her, Which is true, literally.

As for Rein,

(*Sigh*... It's not like I'm complaining, but can he choose a better word to say?)

He feels very complicated.

The request from Kazuki was very really simple just like he said.

"Protect Suguha from the way to school and when she gets home. That's the payment." (Kazuki)

(...Insect repeller...)

....The word may be harsh but Rein doesn't feel bad doing it. Rather, it can be beneficial for the future to have a close relationship with one of the important characters in the later story.

But, one doubt comes out in his mind.

'What about me then? I'm also a guy you know?'

That is so.

However, Kazuki simply just answer it with a very 'nice' smile.

"If you don't want to think about the consequences, then sure." (Kazuki.)

At that time, the dark aura coming from Kazuki's body is simply no joke. Rein immediately complies with an oath to never touch her pervertedly nor see her in that way.

Besides,

"(smiles) Rather than payment, I treat it like a reward. I get to accompany an attractive girl without a problem." (Rein)

"Attrac!?--- Geez!! Please don't tease me Rein-san!!"

"Hahaha, sorry Kirigaya-san. You are really cute."

"~~~~(Blush heavily) Let's just go!!"

....He really has the talent to be a playboy.

Just now, he says those words any form of embarrassment straightly to her face. Adding with his charming face, Suguha's heartbeat increases dramatically until she can hear it.

While having a romantic comedy event, both of them arrived after a short time walking.

"...We have arrived, this is the school that I attend right now." (Suguha)

"Ohhh... it's kind of big." (Rein)

Marveling the size of the school, other students, the people around especially girls chatter with their friends seeing Rein.

"Wow.... so cool. Is he an idol or something?" (Spectator A)

"Is the girl beside him his boyfriend? So nice~~~ I really envy her." (Spectator B)

"....Tch. Go die you popular guys (Note: A.K.A, Riajuu in Japanese)." (Guy A)

A mix of admiration, envy, and most of all... hatred from a guy that is single. It is really a jumble of emotions gathered.

(...I guess it's natural for having these kinds of reactions.) (Suguha)

Unable to endure the gathering stares, Suguha tries to break it by saying goodbye quickly to Rein.

"Th-then see you later Rein-san. Goodb--"

"Ah, wait a moment Kirigaya-san. Please take this." (Rein)

"Eh?...A boxed lunch? Rein-san, you also can cook!?"

*nods*

While smiling, Rein answer to Suguha who is surprised.

"Yes. I live alone for a long time so it's kind of mandatory for me. Actually, I plan to eat it with your grandfather after practice but I change my mind. Do you have a boxed lunch right now?" (Rein)

"....No, I don't." (Suguha)

To be specific, Suguha can't cook well. The episode of her cooking for Kazuto in the past was already trauma for her since Kazuto passed out after eating her food.

But, she feels embarrassed to say it outrightly so she just brushes it by saying she doesn't bring boxed lunch.

"I'm glad. Then it will not be wasted. If you don't mind, do you want to have it?" (Rein)

"E-Eh!? No, it's fine!! Besides, I feel bad for you already doing so much to me!"

*Shakes head*

"Like I said Kirigaya-san, I was assigned by your grandfather to protect you from harm. Besides, I myself do this because I want to. ....Is it....no good?"

...Fearing he will get refused, now he can even act sad with drooping eyes and bitter face.

Not only a playboy, he really is an expert in being an actor.

As for Suguha, she can't bear to see him like this so she quickly receives the boxed lunch and immediately prepares to dash since there is a small gallery surrounding them.

"~~~~ I understand! I understand so please don't make that face! It feels like I'm a bad person!! Th-then, bye Rein-san!! I also need to hurry!"

*Dash*

"Ah, okay!! Enjoy your school time!" (Rein)

After sending her until Rein can't see her, Rein immediately moves to his villa to prepare for another thing.

After all, training is not the only thing he needs to do.

He has works piled up like a mountain before the game is released.

****

-Extra Scene-

-Lunch Time, Classroom.-

"...*Chomp*...!!?" (Suguha)

(Why is this boxed lunch so delicious!!?)

Enjoying her lunch in the class with her friends, Suguha is very surprised for the quality of the taste.

Although the inside is a normal boxed Japanese lunch you can find anywhere, the taste is in a whole different class.

By comparison, Suguha feels that the taste is so delicious just like eating the high-class restaurant she ate in the past with her family, if not better.

That's why,

"~~~~~ IT'S SO UNFAIR!!"

She couldn't help screaming loudly.

"Whoa!! The heck!?" (Friend A)

"What's wrong with you Suguha, shouting so suddenly!?" (Friend B)

"Ignore me for now!! I really feel the unfairness of the world!!" (Suguha)

.....Even though inside her mouth is heaven right now, it feels like the tears inside her heart is ruining all of it when comparing her with Rein's cooking skill.