Laid-Back Life in Tokyo: I Really Didn't Want to Work Hard
Chapter 151 - 145: Kyudo that drifts with the wind, carries the scent of love.

Chapter 151: Chapter 145: Kyudo that drifts with the wind, carries the scent of love.

The blazing heat made the plastic seats in the stands scorching hot, reflecting dazzling light that hurt the eyes.

The shaded areas under the eaves naturally became the most popular spots.

Some people went early to secure good positions, eagerly anticipating the upcoming match.

The previously unremarkable Kamigoe Kyudo Club suddenly surged, displaying strength that couldn’t be ignored.

Even Mizuki High School, which had been unmatched in previous competitions, found them on equal footing.

"Sakura-kun, do your best from now on!"

Hanamaru Hanabi clasped her soft, white hands together, looked up with eyes full of encouragement.

The little white dress with bare shoulders made her look like a serene lily in spring, pure and immaculate.

Uesugi Sakura held a bamboo bow, the smooth walnut oil on the tip glistened under the sun.

"Thank you for your kind words."

He smiled at the girl in front of him, "But if Sakura-kun does well, what reward will little Hanabi give him?"

"Sakura-kun... what reward do you want?" Hanamaru Hanabi looked up, the ribbon on her fair neck gently fluttering in the wind.

Uesugi Sakura smiled without a word.

Sometimes silent words can provoke more imagination.

Hanamaru Hanabi looked at him for a long time, noticing his charming smile, understood something, and instantly blushed, "Hanabi... can’t give Sakura-kun a kiss..."

The ribbon swayed silently in the cool breeze.

"My neck... it’s about to be exposed..."

Uesugi Sakura whispered in her ear, "Then tonight, can Sakura-kun sleep with little Hanabi?"

The alluring fragrance of the girl filled the air, soft and elegant, lingering for a while.

Hanamaru Hanabi gently nodded, her cute face blushing, "If dad’s not around, Sakura-kun can come over anytime..."

"Thank you."

Uesugi Sakura smiled and headed toward the waiting room with the bamboo bow.

"Sakura-kun..."

Hanamaru Hanabi followed his figure as he walked into the door, her shiny leather shoes rooted on the spot.

"Hee hee~"

Seeing Uesugi Sakura leave, Chitose Mai came over, whispered to Hanamaru Hanabi, "Senpai, what were you talking about? Your face is so red."

"N-nothing..."

"Is senpai nice to Hanabi-chan? Senpai is usually quite aloof outside."

"Very nice, Sakura-kun always thinks of me when there’s something tasty," Hanamaru Hanabi’s soft voice sweetly called his name.

"Actually, I really envy you guys, growing up together and now becoming such a deep-bonded couple, destined for life."

Chitose Mai’s tone was inexplicably desolate as she said this.

"Were you also very close when you were kids?"

"Hmm..."

Hanamaru Hanabi nodded slightly as if reminiscing, "Sakura-kun has always made me feel safe, like an older brother."

——————

Uesugi Sakura’s stunning arrow in the previous round left a deep impression on everyone.

The judges and priests in the stands discussed the feasibility of that shooting form.

In fact, there has always been controversy over the movements of the Eight Forms of Kyudo.

Due to different styles and systems, various factions regarded shooting techniques different from their own as heresy and condemned them.

With the advent of the modern age and the establishment of the National Kyudo Alliance, the Ritual Shooting System and the Martial Archery began to shoot in the same dojo.

The main idea became mutual tolerance, change, and progress.

Although Kyudo is still somewhat rigid due to the presence of rituals, everyone maintains a welcoming attitude towards showcasing their own shooting technique.

Uesugi Sakura’s refreshing arrow naturally became the focus of various reporters and Kyudo learners.

On the sunny and windy weekend, gentle breezes caressed the face, and the fragrance of grass and soil mingled in the nose.

The young men holding bows on either side, dressed in pristine Kyudo uniforms, each entered their respective positions in the first and second dojo.

In the stands, Mizuki High School Kyudo Club’s Adviser Ikemoto sat with two substitute members from their school.

Old Adviser Ikemoto’s wrinkled forehead faced the intense light as his gaze repeatedly shifted over the five members of the Kamigoe Kyudo Club.

"Teacher," called one substitute member named Ichijou Hikari to him.

"Speak."

"Do you think... Kamigoe can win this match?"

Given the dark horse’s sudden display of strength, he felt somewhat anxious.

The other team not only had the nationwide famous Kyudo prodigy Sugita Shuhei but also Uesugi Sakura, a rumored Kyudo star who had only touched Kyudo for two months.

Sugita Shuhei was already an unrivaled high school student among his peers, not to mention their team had another even more outstanding presence in this tournament.

"What do you think?" Adviser Ikemoto didn’t look back, but instead asked in return.

"I think... it won’t be easy."

After all, Mizuki High School has always been a stronghold in Kyudo, and their strength is known for its excellence, a label that’s remained throughout their consecutive wins.

Confidence is warranted.

Ichijou Hikari thought Adviser Ikemoto would refute him, but unexpectedly, he nodded in agreement.

His voice was slow and deep, "In the last round, even Nanori seriously aimed to shoot an arrow that boosts morale.

"But as you saw, there was still a gap in the rhythm of the succession."

He straightened his back, sore from sitting too long.

"Binro that child is very talented but still too easily influenced by others’ states, which is perhaps due to his strong-willed nature, hoping he can stabilize his mindset."

Amid the resounding applause, the shoot began.

Uesugi Sakura, at the forefront position, spread his feet, raised both hands above his head and pushed and pulled the bowstring in a forward-raising stance.

The draw action formed a Triple Cross, his body vertically aligned, and his upright posture subtly captivated the girls’ eyes in the audience.

A faint affection surfaced, drawn out by his charm.

"So handsome... Saku-chan, I suddenly want to learn Kyudo..."

"You said that last time too, but Kyudo is really hard, isn’t it?"

"I know, but regardless of the difficulty, just think about it, standing with the senpais wearing Hakama, learning Kyudo together!

"—His reassuring hand held your bow hand, his handsome face leaned close to your ear, and with a gentle voice, patiently taught you the clumsy moves."

The more the girl spoke, the more enthralled she became, clasping her hands together, gazing at Uesugi Sakura’s magnetic shooting form, and his cold and handsome face.

"A breeze wafts by, your hair strands and his magnetic voice linger in your ears.

"You exchange a smile with him, and the arrow in your hand leaves the longbow under his guidance.

"A pair of white Kyudo uniforms swaying with the wind, filled with the scent of love~"

Looking at Uesugi Sakura with dazed admiration, the girl suddenly grabbed her friend’s arm, shaking it vigorously.

"Ahhh—! Saku-chan, Saku-chan, I can’t stand it! So, so, so blissful, when senpai finishes the competition, I’ll go find him! I must confess to him!"

"Perfect love requires effort to attain!"

"Oh, really."

Saku wore an expressionless face under her friend’s shaking, as she’d already given up on the idea.

She reached out and pointed at Uesugi Sakura.

"Although it may be cruel to you, it’s best to accept reality early. Look at what senpai is wearing on his left hand?"

"Cruel to me? Left hand?"

With love burning within, the girl looked, and upon a closer glance, it was as if a huge iceberg from the Antarctic crashed over her head.

Her fiery heart went cold.

"W-why, why is it like this..."