Chapter 98: Unwarranted Anger

Tao Zhiming was resting when he saw a head pop up outside his window, staring at him in astonishment.

He greeted with a smile, “Isn’t this Yokohisa Yamagane? Long time no see.”

Yamagane Yokohisa rubbed his eyes as though unable to believe it, and upon seeing Tao’s familiar face, his expression changed. “Tao Darou! You rascal, how are you in the Kendo Club?”

“I’ve already joined the Kendo Club. Shana-chan allowed it,” Tao Zhiming replied, still smiling.

“You… you…” Yamagane vanished abruptly, and soon the door was knocked upon.

Tao Zhiming wasn’t intimidated. He went to open the door, and Yamagane stepped in with a cautious look, glancing gravely into the room before asking, “What’s going on?”

“First, let me clarify.” Tao pointed to a machine inside. “That thing is worth several million yen, and right now, it’s something Professor Akito Yamamoto from the Economics Department values highly.”

Yamagane's mouth hung open: What did I say? Was I planning to smash it? Why reveal all your trump cards right away?

He was overwhelmed by the mention of Shana-chan’s permission, Professor Yamamoto’s interest, and the machine’s price tag—all at once, leaving him breathless.

Tao Zhiming then calmly crossed his arms. “School hasn’t officially started yet. Why are you here today?”

“You…” Yamagane pointed to the sign nearby. “What exactly is this?”

“Oh, in response to the current changes in the financial markets, Professor Yamamoto, who’s researching important topics, asked me to help gather materials. So the Kendo Club established a ‘Sword of Finance Research Room,’ and Shana-chan is the group leader.”

“Lady Ueda…” Yamagane’s face shifted between gloom and malice as he looked at Tao. “You and Lady Ueda…”

“We met a few times during spring break,” Tao confirmed his suspicions, then looked at him with playful curiosity. “So you have feelings for Lady Ueda, Yamagane?”

Yamagane’s expression froze, and he retorted angrily, “What nonsense is this? I only respect Lady Ueda!”

“There’s nothing wrong with liking someone,” Tao said, twisting the knife. “Even if nothing comes of it, it doesn’t stop you from liking her.”

Yamagane was furious, grinding his teeth in frustration.

But the sign Tao had hung outside to prevent accidents was still there, and unsure of the situation, Yamagane didn’t dare vent his anger.

This guy has changed! Seeing him now, compared to before at Tomokazu and Sumitomo, the light in his eyes is different.

“Alright then,” Tao didn’t argue, “I know you never liked me, but we’re both students at the University of Tokyo—show a little magnanimity, can’t you? If there’s nothing else, I’ll keep helping Professor Yamamoto with his research.”

With that, the door was closed from inside.

Yamagane stood at the entrance, face shifting between gloom and uncertainty.

This guy can actually assist Professor Yamamoto with research?

He’d barely stood there a moment when a beautiful girl walked up to him. Seeing Yamagane, she was startled, then nodded and asked, “Excuse me… has Tao Darou arrived yet?”

Hearing her voice, Yamagane frowned.

The door opened again, and Tao greeted her with a wave, then introduced her to Yamagane, “This is Professor Yamamoto’s graduate student, Kobayashi Yu.”

Yamagane gritted his teeth but performed a formal greeting. “Nice to meet you, Senior Kobayashi! I’m Yamagane Yokohisa from the Kendo Club, Tao’s classmate!”

Tao praised, “Very energetic! Kobayashi-chan, come in—I’ve already found some materials.”

As she entered and the door closed, Yamagane bit his lip.

Wasn’t she supposed to be his senior? Why did Tao use such an informal address?

That accent… could she be an international student?

How did the Kendo Club suddenly fill with so many people after just one spring break?

Hearing footsteps behind him, Yamagane’s temper flared, and he turned around, shouting, “Who else?”

His expression froze.

Ueda Shana frowned. “Yamagane Yokohisa, what’s going on?”

“…My apologies, Lady Ueda!” Yamagane bowed immediately. Straightening up, he pointed at the sign, “This…”

“Professor Akito Yamamoto’s special research room, as his advisor.” Ueda glanced at him, recalled the initial situation, and after a moment said, “From now on, don’t let his presence affect you unnecessarily. Understood?”

Yamagane was stunned, but facing Ueda Shana’s serious gaze, he quickly bowed deeply. “Understood!”

“Shana-chan? Come in yourself.”

The voice sounded from inside, and Yamagane could only watch as the Lady Ueda of his fantasies, as if returning home, pushed the door open and walked in with practiced ease.

He was utterly frustrated: How long has this been going on?

His pent-up feelings could only be vented through sword practice!

Soon, the sound of his bamboo sword slashing echoed in the practice hall, accompanied by shouts:

“Strive! Strive! Yamato’s best!”

After a while, Ueda Shana walked over and changed into her training gear, helmet included.

“Yamagane, attack me!” she ordered sternly, gripping the bamboo sword.

“…Lady Ueda, aren’t you the group leader?” Yamagane glanced over.

“Focus! Strike!”

Suppressing his doubts, Yamagane launched a gentle attack.

A fierce parry sent his sword flying, and Ueda Shana scolded loudly, “Have you not eaten?”

“My apologies!” Yamagane bowed, picked up his sword, and donned full armor.

She’s gotten even stronger!

“Attack!” Once he was ready, Ueda Shana struck first.

Yamagane summoned all his attention to defend.

“Attack! Attack! Attack!” Ueda’s strikes came relentlessly, and Yamagane struggled.

When his sword was knocked from his hands once more, Ueda Shana finally paused, holding her sword and said slowly, “Practice. You must grow stronger, Yamagane Yokohisa…”

“…Yes!” Yamagane gritted his teeth, picked up the sword, and resumed his strikes. “Strive! Strive!”

Ueda Shana, somewhat forlorn, held her bamboo sword and walked to the window by the practice hall, sitting on the mat and hugging her blade.

The sunlight had just begun to pour in; a few cherry blossoms drifted gently to her feet.

How fleeting is the beauty of cherry blossoms?

Soon, they too will all wither…

Ueda Shana stared blankly, until she heard Tao Zhiming call, “Shana-chan, I found an interesting news story—would you mind taking a look?”

She turned, thought for a moment, then leaned on her bamboo sword and stood, walking over quietly.

Yamagane watched their backs, and after turning away, wielded his sword with even more fervor.

Inside the room, Lin Siyu saw the girl in kendo attire walk in, stood up silently, and offered another chair.

Ueda Shana shook her head and sat directly on the single bed in the room. “What’s this interesting news?”

Tao pointed to a news story on the screen. “Look, Professor Taikichiro Mori, once an economist like Professor Yamamoto, founded Mori Building. His eldest son, Minoru Mori, has proposed a plan to develop a new city in Roppongi.”

Ueda Shana’s gaze sharpened, fixing on Tao Zhiming. “What’s so interesting about this news?”

Tao noticed the hint of anger in her eyes and was perplexed.

Why did he hit a wall the moment he spoke?