Chapter 19: Kanaki's Martial Art (2)

Chapter 19: Kanaki's Martial Art (2)

Yeah, I suppose thats about it.

W-Wait a minute!

As Kanaki lowered his fist, Karen tensed but would not yield.

O-One more match, please!

No, Ive learned a rough sketch of who you are, Ortesia, from our current match. You had evidently learned the art of self-defense in the Kingdom of Ortesia imperial court style. Well, on second thought, that was no surprise.

How did you!?

Karen, having been hit the bulls eye, was at a loss for words.

How did he figure it out? Even though it was called a match, the fight must have lasted less than ten seconds. In only that brief period of time, how did Kanaki determine where her style stemmed from?

Ortesia, you immediately shifted from your spontaneous stance to directly in front of me right as the match kicked off, correct? Thats a characteristic of self-defense, a technique conceptualized for the purpose of being responsive to an attack under any circumstances in everyday life. Given that, all that remains is to figure out your background, Ortesia. However, the only representative art of self-defense in the Kingdom of Ortesia is the imperial court style.

Little did she realize that the art of self-defense she had been learning all these years was a martial art born out of such a concept. When her eyes fell on Fina, even she was shaking her head, suggesting that she had never heard of it before.

Kanaki then added a few words as if to back up his assertion.

You guys or I should say most of the students who attend the school, all fight too much in all honesty. Indeed, polishing your magic and training your body is essential, but you have to read the opponents thoughts and figure out what they are going to do next and what they are going to aim for. For instance, in the case of Ortesia, your first surprise attack. At that time, you were full of fighting spirit even before the match began. Besides, your lower body tensed up right before it started, so even I was able to fend off such a blindingly swift preemptive attack.

You can even tell to that point

Karen was deeply astounded by Kanakis observation. Being a member of the royal family, Karen took pride in being adept at masking her emotions above and beyond that of others, but apparently, this did not work with Kanaki.

Overall, Fina, you fight equally straightforwardly. Perhaps its some sort of chivalry, but I feel you are a little too straightforward. Kumite cannot be conducted with only one person. Analyzing not only your own moves but the moves of your opponent as well will enhance your performance.

Y-Yes

Yeah, but both of you are exceptionally strong among the students. I doubt there are many girls, even in the fourth year, who can perform maneuvers like this. Well, please keep this as a reference only, because I have a feeling that if you ever attend a martial arts class with Instructor Rivalz, he will dismiss what I have just said as a trick. Since there are tons of other people in the world with diverse ways of conceiving worldviews, I hope you will encounter various people, listen to what they have to say, and hone your own identitiesyour own individuality.

!?

In the face of Kanakis final words, which evoked a sense of dj vu, Karens cheeks stiffened.

Meeting various people and refining ones individuality. These were the same words her father had expressed to her in her dream this morning.

Well, I should be heading off now. See you both at school.

Yes. Thank you for today.

No, no, when it comes to magic, I can hardly teach you anything. It would be a disgrace to me if you dont let me do at least this much for you.

As Kanaki departed the park with these remarks, Karen watched his back with conflicting emotions.