Chapter 87: Teacher Shana, Let’s Do It Once More

The room designated for sword practice was furnished only with floor mats, and a few training dummies stood against one side.

Ueda Kana changed into her kendo attire, looking strikingly valiant and spirited. Tao Zhiming hadn’t changed at all, blankly staring at his empty hands.

"Focus!" Ueda Kana relished the current atmosphere and commanded, "You have no foundation, so you should start with basic swings. Don’t use the practice stick yet, to avoid injuries from improper movements. Begin by building strength and posture with the basic swings. Before you start, you must warm up!"

With that, she began her demonstration. Gripping the bamboo sword with both hands, she raised it level in front of her, feet slightly apart, then moved forward, backward, left, and right, twisting her torso left and right to loosen up.

Watching this warm-up, Tao Zhiming finally understood what Ueno Yosuke had meant by calling her the "Flower of the Kendo Club." Truly, a girl raised practicing kendo since childhood possessed a remarkable figure and flexibility.

No doubt, her family background showed in her smooth, fluid movements; every motion was precise and beautiful. It was like watching two people perform the same tai chi routine—one an expert, the other clumsy and uncoordinated; the difference was worlds apart. Even back in college, when everyone started at the same level for the tai chi elective, the final performances varied greatly—some passable, some almost comical.

Kana’s skills now were at least at a professional instructor’s level. And above all, her form was truly impressive!

His appreciative gaze, however, made Ueda Kana a little uncomfortable. After finishing the demonstration, she asked, "Did you understand? Start now."

But Tao Zhiming shook his head earnestly. "Not yet. Teacher Kana, could you show me again?"

"...Enough! Even if you haven’t understood, just follow along and warm up your body!" Ueda Kana felt his persistence was exasperating. That look on his face was just an excuse to openly watch her twist and turn in front of him.

She began to regret her decision—why teach him this? She should have just had him swing the sword a hundred times and see if he could keep that unruffled, cocky look after he was left breathless.

Yet, Tao Zhiming genuinely began to warm up, imitating her movements as best he could.

So, he had just been acting shameless earlier, greedy for—

Ueda Kana scolded him in her mind, but kept her face stern, correcting his movements to make them more thorough.

Tao Zhiming followed her instructions obediently. When they moved on to the basic swings, he practiced each one with earnest seriousness.

A man who is focused always has a unique charm, especially one who is both handsome and strong.

Ueda Kana found herself getting to know him bit by bit. From the first time she met him, standing out among a crowd of students, to the interview Yamagane Yokohisa described, where he spoke calmly before the senior executives of Sumitomo.

The second time, when she brought Kawashima Shiko to meet him, he displayed both assertiveness and gentlemanly conduct, alongside a certain roguish charm.

Now, meeting him face-to-face again, she discovered that Professor Yamamoto had recognized his merit after just one encounter, and here he was, earnestly learning kendo.

Watching the sharpness in his eyes and the sweat beading on his forehead, Ueda Kana couldn’t help but feel her own cheeks grow warm, and she looked away.

She spoke sternly, "Today’s goal is three hundred swings. No slacking!"

Tao Zhiming simply kept count in his head, saying nothing.

With nothing in hand, his clasped fists moving up and down looked vaguely like he was handling something long.

Still, his mind was clear.

Judging by the close relationship between Yamamoto Akihito and the Ueda family, Ueda Kana’s family tradition was no exaggeration. Growing up in a kendo lineage, her skill was evident in every move.

Someone like her would take family tradition seriously. So, if she said to start with basic swings, she must have her reasons.

Tao Zhiming’s intent was to improve his fitness anyway, so he was happy to learn properly.

Besides, having such a beautiful, professional kendo girl correcting his posture and movements was a pleasure.

Still, he was a little puzzled—why had she sent the other kendo club members away when he arrived?

Now she was so strict, correcting him with a sharp tone, almost domineering.

Tao Zhiming gritted his teeth.

One day, I’ll make you kneel and sing in defeat!

...

As evening approached, Runa Onodera received a call; Tao Zhiming said he wouldn’t be coming home yet.

She could hear the bustle in the background and replied sweetly, "I understand."

After hanging up, Ueno Yosuke muttered, "Not coming back? I was planning to have a drink with him. There’s something important I wanted to discuss."

"Why don’t you call him, Ueno-kun?" Runa Onodera asked hopefully.

Ueno Yosuke smiled, "Runa, do you want him back for dinner too?"

Runa Onodera blushed and hurried toward the kitchen. "Meals outside are always so expensive..."

"Runa, you really are the perfect homemaker," Yosuke teased, then turned to Inoue Miyako. "Miyako-chan, are you studying for the entrance exam?"

Miyako pouted. The new school seemed intimidating—why did she have to take a special test after starting term?

"Anything you don’t understand? Big brother will teach you!"

...

As Runa Onodera prepared dinner, a genuine smile appeared on her face.

Everything was heading in a good direction.

After all, how many children, like Miyako, had two University of Tokyo geniuses helping with their homework?

After dinner, she told Ueno Yosuke, "I’ve arranged to go out for some health treatments with two other housewives. Ueno-kun, if Tao comes back, please let him know."

"...I will." Ueno Yosuke recalled Taro’s "housewife plan" and, seeing her dressed so nicely, reminded her, "Be careful, okay?"

"Thank you for caring." Runa Onodera gave some instructions to Miyako and left.

Walking out from the building into the bustling street, Runa felt a surge of emotion.

Perhaps it was the elegant clothes she now wore, but she began to feel, deep down, that she too was becoming a "lady of leisure."

Even her manner of hailing a cab had grown more graceful.

But when a taxi stopped in front of her, she checked the driver before getting in.

Obata Yusuke kept his eyes forward. "Madam Runa, where to?"

Runa Onodera replied with genuine respect, "Thank you for your trouble," and only then gave her destination.

This was another special kindness from Taro. He had managed to turn someone originally sent against him into an ally, even assigning Obata Yusuke to be responsible for her evening outings and safety.

It left her feeling that Taro was a man of unfathomable strength.

When he told her about this arrangement, Runa was deeply moved, and felt the happiness of being trusted with such an important secret.

For her evening outings, he had even arranged for such a capable person to protect her...