Chapter 64

Among them was Kaori Hashimoto, a petite girl with a sweet face and the team captain's badge. She put on her game face and asked, "Master Rinz, are we doing this one-on-one, or is it an all-in rumble like old times?"

Elio's grin was all confidence. "Come on, every single one of you. I've got this. And hey, if you manage to beat me, I'll give each of you a cool gift. Deal?"

A chorus of excited squeals rang out as more than ten girls huddled up, whispering and plotting their next move like they were gearing up for a secret mission.

With a casual flick of his wrist, Elio signaled for his weapon. The quick-stepping Yoshiko was right there, handing him a bamboo sword that was every bit as long and hefty as a katana but made for training. Gripping it firmly, he swung through the air, the blade cutting a whooshing sound that promised a challenge.

"Bring it on!"

At Master Rinz's command, Kaori's voice cut through the air, "Get ready, team. Attack mode, now!"

Like a burst of starlings, th