Anime Crossover : Living in the Heart of Tokyo

"Ha!"

Seeing the newcomer stand still, Makki Hojou didn't want to wait any longer.

He decided to end the spar with a single strike.

He swung his sword directly at Hojou Kyousuke with pure strength, no frills—just raw power crushing down.

Facing this fierce blow, Hojou Kyousuke wasn't in the least bit panicked.

In fact, he had the time to think:

'This is nothing. It doesn't even compare to sensei's moves.'

As Makki Hojou's sword descended, Hojou Kyousuke moved.

Without hesitation, he unleashed a series of sword techniques honed through countless hours of practice.

"Slash!"

"Pah!"

"Pah!"

"Pah!"

The first sound was the clash of Makki Hojou's bamboo sword being blocked.

The second was the sound of Hojou Kyousuke striking Makki Hojou's arm.

The third sound was the bamboo sword dropping to the floor.

Silence.

Even though the room was packed with people, at that moment, there wasn't a sound to be heard.

If anything, it was the sound of people gasping.

The members of the Kendo Club stared at the sight before them in disbelief.

Their esteemed leader, Makki Hojou, the Higashi Hero, had been disarmed in one move.

They wanted to shout, but their voices stuck in their throats.

'Did I go too far?'

Seeing Makki Hojou clutching his wrist in disbelief, Hojou Kyousuke wasn't sure whether he should apologize or not.

"Impressive... it's been a long time since I've seen such a clean, decisive strike."

Breaking the silence, Makki Hojou took off his mask and began clapping.

The reason he was called a hero wasn't just because of his unmatched strength, but also due to his immense composure.

Despite being easily defeated, he wasn't angry—instead, he applauded Hojou Kyousuke's skill.

The members, still in shock, eventually joined in the applause. Some even whispered their admiration.

"Didn't expect the kid to be this good."

"That strike from the boss isn't something anyone can block."

"If it were me, my bamboo sword would've been knocked out of my hands right away, let alone the follow-up blow."

Akashi Takeomi clapped enthusiastically and turned to Kisaki Tetta.

"He's something else, isn't he?"

Kisaki Tetta didn't respond immediately.

Instead, he gave a sly grin and stepped forward, raising his voice.

"Makki Hojou, after being defeated by a newcomer, do you still have the right to be the boss of the Kendo Club?"

"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" Akashi Takeomi quickly grabbed Kisaki Tetta, trying to cover his mouth.

The others around them stood up, their expressions fierce, ready to tear apart the guy who had just insulted their boss.

"Takeomi, let him speak."

Makki Hojou waved his hand, signaling everyone between him and Kisaki Tetta to step aside.

"Kisaki, shut up," Hojou Kyousuke muttered. "I don't even know that guy."

Hojou Kyousuke felt a headache coming on.

'This guy starting trouble again...'

"Hahaha, it's fine, Hojou-kun. It's been a while since I tasted defeat. I want to hear what he has to say," Makki Hojou said, laughing as he clapped Hojou Kyousuke on the shoulder.

"Isn't that right? In Kendo and everything else, the strongest rule. Since you've lost to Hojou-kun, it's time to step down and let someone else take over."

Kisaki Tetta stepped closer, making sure to look Makki Hojou in the eye as he spoke with an air of superiority.

"Hahahaha, it's been a long time since I've seen such a bold little brat," Makki Hojou laughed.

"Wait, wait, I never said I wanted to be the boss of the Kendo Club or take over Higashi," Hojou Kyousuke quickly interjected.

"Makki-senpai, this is all Kisaki Tetta's idea."

"It's fine," Makki Hojou replied, grinning.

"He's right. To lead, you have to be able to win. If you can beat me, then the entire Higashi Kendo Club is yours."

His words sent the crowd into an uproar.

"Boss, I'm not going to acknowledge this kid who just popped up out of nowhere!"

"Boss, shouldn't we wait for Onizuka Eikichi and Hanma Ryuuji to come back before making a decision?"

"Boss, don't do it!"

"You want to challenge the boss? You'll have to get through me first!"

"Enough!" Makki Hojou shouted, waving his hand to silence everyone. "When did you all start questioning my decisions?"

"Ryou, stop crying. You're embarrassing yourself. Come help me take off this armor."

Tsuzuki Ryou, the one who had just been crying and begging to boss not to do this, quickly wiped his tears and ran over to help.

Meanwhile, Hojou Kyousuke, realizing the situation, saw Kisaki Tetta quickly scurry up to him.

Kisaki understood the delinquent culture well, and Hojou Kyousuke realized this was all part of his scheme.

"Hey, what's going on? Why are we taking off the armor? Are we done now?" Hojou Kyousuke asked, looking at Kisaki Tetta while being forced to lift his arm for him to help with the gear.

"In the world of delinquents, there's no such thing as protective gear. Now it's real combat," Kisaki Tetta whispered with excitement.

Hojou Kyousuke could feel a pang of frustration.

He had just wanted to join a Kendo club, carry his bamboo sword legally in school.

He never expected it to escalate into something this chaotic.

'Damn you, Kisaki Tetta...'

"Wait!" Hojou Kyousuke shouted.

"Makki Hojou, I never agreed to fight you, nor do I want to be the leader of Higashi. I'm not even a member of the Kendo Club!"

Makki Hojou paused, then laughed out loud.

"Hojou-kun, do you know why I joined the Kendo Club?"

"Does it even matter? I don't care. I need to go study," Hojou Kyousuke replied, tired of the situation.

"Can you at least hear me out before making a decision? You can leave anytime after, but I need you to hear me out first."

Makki Hojou had already removed his heavy armor and sat down, looking at Hojou Kyousuke seriously.

"Fine. But no matter what you say, I'm not joining your 'Kendo Club,' it's not my thing. By the way, I'm the top scorer in the entrance exams. My hobby is studying, not fighting."

Makki Hojou grinned. "Don't underestimate delinquents."

"Alright, alright. If that's what you're trying to say, I'm sorry. I'm sure you understand my urge to get back to studying," Hojou Kyousuke said, feeling exasperated.

'Why did I ever think joining a Kendo club would be simple?' Hojou Kyousuke sighed inwardly.