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In the end, Natsubi Raku was defeated 27 times.
Since Panda and Yuta Okkotsu's bets were close, they both became the ultimate winners, leaving Toge Inumaki to tearfully cover a month's worth of custom meals for the two.
The next day.
It was the day everyone was most looking forward to: the sparring match between Natsubi Raku and Megumi Fushiguro.
With Satoru Gojo's enthusiastic invitation, most of the Grade 1 sorcerers in the school were present to watch.
Even Principal Yaga Masamichi had been persuaded to come, under the pretext of selecting participants for the upcoming exchange event with the Kyoto school.
To be honest, if he had to choose, Yuta Okkotsu would definitely be the first choice. If the special-grade curse spirit Rika acted up…
Heh heh heh…
Victory was guaranteed!
As for suppressing it, well, that would be Gojo's job. After all, it was his student, so the trouble wouldn't land on his shoulders.
As for the other students…
Yaga Masamichi glanced at the four in the field. Panda was immediately excluded since he was practically his own creation, akin to his own child.
It would be between Megumi Fushiguro and Natsubi Raku. Whoever won would go.
Speaking of which, Megumi was from the Zenin clan. I wonder how many shikigami he can summon with the Ten Shadows Technique?
And Natsubi Raku's mysterious eyes were an enigma, as if they had appeared out of nowhere, never before seen in sorcerer history, or perhaps they had appeared but weren't well-known.
But either way, it was a rare bloodline. If he was strong, the three big families would go crazy over him.
I'm really looking forward to this battle.
"Your students seem quite impressive, Gojo-senpai."
Nanami Kento, wearing his signature glasses and suit, praised.
"Right? They're all good seeds!"
Gojo Satoru, almost boasting, made sure everyone present heard him.
Everyone watched with curiosity, since it was rare for Gojo to praise anyone so highly.
Natsubi Raku felt uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny. If he lost today, it wouldn't just be embarrassing; he might never be able to hold his head high in the school again.
He could almost hear the whispers:
"Isn't he the one who fought his junior and lost?"
"Oh yeah, that's him!"
"…"
Damn it, I really want to tear Gojo's big mouth apart. Why is there someone not only ridiculously strong but also ridiculously annoying?
So annoying!
Megumi Fushiguro glanced at Gojo on the stage and shouted, "Can we start now? We've been waiting for ten minutes."
"Coming, coming!"
Gojo swiftly left the viewing platform and entered the field. Looking at the two ready combatants, he cleared his throat and said, "If you're ready, nod your head."
"…"
Natsubi Raku was speechless. He held his sword ready, and you ask if I'm ready. Can't you sense the atmosphere?
Though he wanted to kill Gojo, he knew he couldn't win, so he nodded and said, "I'm ready."
Megumi responded, "Same here."
"Alright!"
Gojo placed his right hand between the two and, taking a deep breath, shouted, "Victory is only assured if you don't disable or kill your opponent. Friendship first, competition second."
"Now then…"
"Begin!"
With Gojo's shout, he vanished.
Natsubi Raku and Megumi Fushiguro eyed each other, knowing today's match was about pride.
After all, so many people were watching. Losing meant losing dignity. All thanks to Gojo's big mouth!
Megumi clasped his hands together, and shadows formed into the shape of dogs on the ground. He whispered, "Divine Dogs."
With a sizzling sound, shadows on the ground condensed into two large dogs, one black and one white, their bared fangs intimidating.
"Surround him."
The two dogs, receiving the command, charged at Natsubi Raku, drooling and leaving deep scratches on the ground with their claws.
This is going to be tough.
Natsubi Raku frowned, gripping his sword tightly. Scarlet cursed energy enveloped him and then dissipated, strengthening his body.
After being beaten by Maki Zenin yesterday, he had a deeper understanding of the sword. Now, even without the Sharingan, he could strike precisely.
The two divine dogs, sensing danger, halted two meters away, surrounding him. Their pupils locked onto the prey that couldn't escape.
"That student surrounded by the dogs is going to lose," Utahime sighed from the viewing platform.
"No, the real show is just starting. Watch closely; my students aren't that weak."
Gojo continued watching the field. Though he didn't know what trump card Natsubi Raku had, at least he hadn't used his mysterious eyes yet.
Come on!
Show me your true strength!
Natsubi Raku.
In the field.
Natsubi Raku hesitated to move, knowing that attacking one dog would leave him vulnerable to the other.
The most frustrating tactic.
It was a waiting game to see who would crack first and make a mistake.
Seeing Natsubi Raku hesitant, Megumi Fushiguro smiled confidently, thinking this was his limit.
Is that all?
"Bite him!"
The two dogs, commanded to attack, opened their mouths wide, aiming for Natsubi Raku's arms. If they connected, his arms would be out of commission for months.
"Damn it!"
Faced with the fierce attack, Natsubi Raku cursed under his breath. The opponent had no mercy!
People like this only understand force!
As his pupils turned red, he could see the divine dogs' attack paths clearly, giving him more room to think and react.
He grabbed the black dog by the throat with his left hand and slammed it into the ground, while his right hand's sword blocked the white dog's bite.
"Bang!"
Dust flew as the black dog's head took the impact, turning back into shadows. The white dog, still in shock, didn't understand what had happened. The man's precise sword had stopped its attack.
Natsubi Raku looked at the dissipated black dog and glanced at the white dog clamping onto his sword.
"Woof!"
The white dog seemed to want to say something, but Natsubi Raku didn't care. Whatever it was, he wouldn't understand, not being the same species.
"Run, White Dog!"
Megumi shouted.
Natsubi Raku reached for its neck, but the white dog turned into shadows, disappearing, leaving the sword stabbed into the ground.