Laid-Back Life in Tokyo: I Really Didn't Want to Work Hard
Chapter 153 - 146: The Flying Arrows Knocking at the Heart’s Door_2

Chapter 153: Chapter 146: The Flying Arrows Knocking at the Heart’s Door_2

The two exchanged no words; just a single thrum of the bowstring conveyed everything he wanted to say.

At the same time, Fuya Nanori from Mizuki High School released his arrow, brimming with the gentleness of a spring breeze.

The sound of the bowstring soared into the bright blue sky, stirring the hearts of the spectators.

The conclusion of both teams’ arrows marked the prelude to the very last shot.

Now the score of both teams was evenly matched, and everyone knew that the decisive arrow was in the hands of each individual.

A missed arrow was something he absolutely could not afford.

Every arrow had to be shot with full effort, carefully, patiently...mindfully displaying each shooting technique and rhythm.

Under such circumstances, even Shimokawa Binro had to become cautious, the envy for that guy who claimed to have only two months of experience suppressed deep within.

He must... draw the bow with care.

With this thought, he employed the most standard "Two-step Stance" of the Martial Archery style, and then, when readying his bow, proceeded with the most dependable frontal connection movements.

Truly focused and determined to make this absolutely crucial shot.

This arrow must not go astray in my hands!

He shouted this in his heart.

——Bows dislike excessive obsession; sometimes, emotions that are too focused make you more susceptible to the one you are focusing on.

Shimokawa Binro’s draw had yet to form a stance.

On the other side, Uesugi Sakura’s emerald arrow feathers cut through the view, faster than even his initial astonishing shot.

The arrow pierced the invisible breeze, a powerful whistle resounding straight into the heart.

While people were still focused on his slow bow-drawing action, the whirling arrow shot out suddenly.

Bang!

The arrowhead spun as it slid across the target surface, instantly forming a hole, embedding precisely into the bullseye.

The sudden burst of power drove the arrow feather halfway in.

Him again!?

Shimokawa Binro’s pupils focused ahead, the waves of cheers engulfing his thoughts like a high tide.

His unfinished stance, his mind filled only with the fleeting shadow of those emerald arrow feathers passing through his vision.

I... was defeated by someone I looked down upon...?

The reply came from the judges’ stand, with the clacking sound of a wooden "X" board being set.

Kamigoe High School’s Kyudo Club, continuing in Uesugi Sakura’s rhythm, had arrows that remained unfaltering, hitting the target shot after shot, as if blessed by divine assistance.

The loud target hits continuously echoed in the ears of Mizuki High School’s Kyudo Club members whose rhythm had slowed due to an error in the leading position.

Every arrow that hit was an urging murmur weighing on their spirits.

From the stands, Adviser Ikemoto had lost interest in watching any further.

Faced with a team that had lost its rhythm and style, even though Fuya Nanori was excellent, there was no chance for recovery.

He had originally thought that placing the strong-minded Shimokawa Binro in the lead position would guide his teammates with the Martial Archery’s firm stance.

With the absolutely powerful Fuya Nanori finishing last, it would highlight the team’s momentum while suppressing the opponent’s lead’s momentum, thus slowing their rhythm.

At the same time, encouraging cheers from the audience would create psychological pressure on the opponent, making them lose their own rhythm.

——Everything was supposed to go as planned.

But this is how it ended up.

"Outsmarted oneself." Adviser Ikemoto sighed silently.

As Fuya Nanori drew his bamboo bow, his right hand’s kake trembling on the bowstring, Kamigoe High School had already finished shooting.

Even if this arrow still hit the target, Mizuki High School would still be one arrow behind.

Looking at Adviser Ikemoto in the audience with perfect visibility, Fuya already understood his meaning when their eyes met.

"Is it beyond redemption?"

His delicate features also revealed a touch of tranquil regret.

Even though his shooting form was elegantly graceful, under a predetermined outcome, spectators felt a sense of evening twilight solitude as he displayed his form.

With each word from the broadcaster’s clear female voice, the narrow score margin of just one arrow revealed the victor of this match.

Kanzaki Togoshi Private High School Kyudo Club.

A club historically only known for individual competitions.

Thirty-eight arrows to thirty-seven arrows.

The standing ovation continuously echoed off the venue walls.

——————

A flock of birds flew by, their chirping not as ethereal and melodious as in spring, but having a unique summer charm.

The district-level tournament concluded successfully.

Uesugi Sakura, holding the weighty gold-plated trophy, was nominated to perform the ceremonial final shot as the champion.

Baring his left chest, he released the white-feathered arrow, symbolizing the end of this journey.

Though he didn’t know why the audience suddenly screamed.

After taking commemorative photos with Refiner Akazawa Enki, the second place Mizuki, and the third place Sagami, they all retreated to the rest area.

Faces looked at one another, smiles unfading on their faces due to the victory.

The dissatisfaction from days of intense training could finally be vented now.

"We won—!!"

Hirata Masanobu vigorously slapped the back of Seisuke Yooya, "Hahaha!"

"Laughing is fine, but don’t hit so hard." Seisuke Yooya smiled along with him after seeing his grin.

"The seniors replied to me."

Kanai Hideyoshi put down his phone filled with messages of joy, encouragement, and memories.

"They said they’ve been watching our matches on TV all along."

The joy of defeating the daunting Mizuki High School still lingered in his heart as he suddenly bowed his head:

"Thank you all for inviting me to participate in this competition. The days of striving together in youth will be my most treasured memory after graduating and entering the work world, and I will cherish them seriously."

"The regrets of the seniors who took care of me in the past can be filled today, thanks to everyone."

"Thank you."

"Thank you."

"Thank you."

Solemn words, brimming with gratitude beyond description.

"It’s nothing." Sugita Shuhei set down his familiar longbow, "Being able to strive continuously is the best thanks to the past self in our hearts."

"Now is merely the fortune of everyone fulfilling this realization together."

"Haha, indeed, no need for thanks, we enjoyed every bit of this period of hard-working youth too." Hirata Masanobu laughed heartily.

"Thanks are redundant." Seisuke Yooya added briefly.

"After hard work, take the effort to relax. As you’re preparing for Tokyo Metropolitan University next, please continue to do your best."

Reading the room, Uesugi Sakura uncharacteristically offered words of encouragement.

The noises had already amassed outside the door, as many media reporters were there to interview the champions.

Tokyo, being a hub for Kyudo Clubs and practitioners, meant that the Shinjuku District tournament carried high prestige and was regularly covered by newspapers and TV.

"I’ll leave it to you guys."

Not wanting to be entangled with reporters and exhausted after a day, Uesugi Sakura decisively chose to slip away, walking alone through the side door to exit via the audience stands.

The afternoon sun remained hot, and Hanamaru Hanabi, waiting at the roadside, had her face tinted green by the verdant shade.

Uesugi Sakura approached her and smiled at the girl’s upturned face: "Waiting outside for me again? You could have waited in the café across the street."

"Hanabi feels that waiting here brings her closer to Sakura-kun." Hanamaru Hanabi smiled sweetly.

"It’s quite hot, isn’t it?"

Uesugi Sakura reached out to gently wipe the soft skin of her face, wiping off a few beads of pink sweat.

Just standing here for a while made him feel a bit sweaty.

"Not really."

"What about my mom and aunt?"

"Mom and they said Sakura-kun was great, but the weather was too hot, so they left to go out for a while."

Droplets of sweat already dampened Hanamaru Hanabi’s soft fringe.

"Quite hot, isn’t it?" He asked again.

"A little, yes."

"Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

"No, thank you, Sakura-kun, for caring about Hanabi."

"Did little Hanabi forget her status?" Uesugi Sakura smiled, pointing to the ring on her small hand, "It’s natural to care for one’s fiancée."

"Mm."

When Hanamaru Hanabi heard the words "fiancée," she gave him a beautiful smile.

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