Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 108

Fate

Respect and mutual admiration foster harmonious communication.

“All, welcome Mr. Kurosawa to the Windchaser Dojo!”

Sato, acknowledging his defeat, bowed and extended a welcome to Kurosawa without holding onto past grievances.

“Welcome, Mr. Kurosawa, to the Windchaser Dojo!”

As these words were spoken, everyone lowered their heads, bowed, and saluted in unison.

The archery display by Kurosawa moments ago served as a valuable lesson for everyone present.

It showcased a level of archery skill that seemed to exist in a different dimension, creating a gap between them that was profound.

The performance of those fourteen arrows, even if they could grasp just a fraction of it, would elevate their own archery techniques.

“Mirai, why haven’t you welcomed Mr. Kurosawa yet?”

Sato surveyed the surroundings, noticing Shiromiya’s lack of response, and sternly instructed her.

“Welcome, Mr. Kurosawa, to the Windchaser Dojo!”

Upon hearing the command, Shiromiya snapped out of her thoughts and, after hesitating for two seconds, bowed her head in greeting.

Kurosawa’s performance just now impressed everyone, including her.

Having practiced archery since childhood and having a deep love for it, she couldn’t help but admire Kurosawa’s exceptional archery skills.

“Mr. Kurosawa, why not sit down and have a chat?”

Sato handed his bow to an apprentice and approached, extending a reconciliatory invitation. 

He was eager to understand how this young man achieved such remarkable archery skills at a young age.

“No need. My purpose in coming to the Windchaser Dojo is clear. Please don’t bother about what I and Shiromiya are doing together in the future,” Kurosawa shook his head and said in a low voice.

“For Mirai’s sake? Forgive my curiosity, but what about your family background?”

Upon hearing this, Sato became aware and asked.

“My family background is quite ordinary,” Kurosawai replied, sensing no ill intentions.

“In that case, you’ll have to work harder.”

“Why?”

“I have a longstanding friendship with her grandfather. She’s not the only child; she has an elder brother. Her grandfather intends to arrange a marriage to expand the family’s influence.

Although you’re a student from the University of Tokyo, unless you have a powerful background or significant influence, marrying her would be challenging.”

Sato glanced at Shihoin Mirai a few meters away and revealed an undisclosed truth.

“Is she aware of this… Does she know about it?” Kurosawa felt surprised and glanced at Shiromiya.

According to this explanation, she would become a sacrificial pawn for an arranged marriage in the future. 

The young must undergo various forms of education, surveillance, and restrictions, and when they come of age, they are bound by arranged marriages.

Although Shiromiya was born into wealth, living a worry-free life with abundant family fortune, the lack of autonomy in her marriage seemed like a melancholy fate.

“She should know. Even though she hasn’t settled on an engagement yet, it’s just a matter of time. This is her destiny… If you want to be with her, you need fame and a respected status. You can’t remain an unknown figure; you have to gain widespread recognition,” Sato explained. He was also concerned about this matter but felt powerless.

“Was that why you initially said I wasn’t worthy of her?”

“Mirai cares a lot about you. Her heart was in chaos waiting for you this morning, and consecutive misses on the target unnerved her. So, I don’t like you much. Even that maid, while she might not prevent you from becoming friends, she won’t stand idly by if things go further. 

Instead of waiting for your relationship to get better and eventually forcefully separating, I’d rather sever your ties now to prevent it from becoming a lifelong regret for her.”

“This…”

“However, archery is one of the mainstream martial arts in Neon, and archery masters hold high status. If you can defeat the tenth dan Ogasawara, establish a dojo, and gather disciples, the Shiromiya family will definitely not obstruct your relationship.”

Sato spoke with a hint of excitement at this point.

He seemed to have envisioned the rise of another legendary figure in archery.

Having exchanged these confidential words, Kurosawa didn’t say much more and simply walked away.

“Kurosawa, your talent is ridiculous… It’s only been a few days.”

Uesugi was very excited and welcomed him as he approached.

Initially, Uesugi had planned to spend a day guiding Kurosawa during the summer break, helping him participate in an archery competition and achieve a good ranking.

However, now it seemed unnecessary; Kurosawa was not someone who needed guidance. 

Even a ninth dan like Sato was no match for him, let alone considering other university archery clubs nationwide.

There was no doubt that Kurosawa could bring glory to the university, perhaps even establish the reputation of the University of Tokyo Archery Club in a single competition.

“Uesugi-sensei, I’m sorry, but I’m a bit tired. Please let me rest for a while.”

Facing Uesugi’s excitement, Kurosawa, who had won the match, couldn’t find joy. His mood was somewhat subtle and complex.

“Sure, I’ll help you put away the bow.”

Seeing that Kurosawa wasn’t in high spirits, Uesugi was a bit puzzled about why he wasn’t happy despite winning. Nonetheless, he didn’t rush and offered to put away the bow for him.

The archery range didn’t have chairs, at least not under normal circumstances.

The mission was accomplished, the reward was received, but he couldn’t genuinely feel happy, and he was even afraid to face Shiromiya.

“Destiny and regret?”

Thinking about the words just now, he glanced at Shiromiya, feeling somewhat concerned.

Becoming a so-called master of archery, gaining fame and prestige? Kurosawa had no intention in that direction at all.

Even though he possessed a perfect-level archery skill, he had no plans to open a dojo or accept disciples.

While he enjoyed the feeling of shooting arrows, thanks to the rewards from the system that allowed him to experience new things, it didn’t mean he loved archery.

Due to the perfect accuracy of his shots, by the time he reached the fourteenth arrow, he felt a sense of boredom.

As long as he had a bow and arrow in hand, he could shoot wherever he pleased.

Setting aside this matter, his mood was not so good because he hadn’t thought about marriage yet.

When he came to the Windchaser Dojo today, it was just for what was expected to be a casual date. He willingly agreed, hoping to create beautiful and precious memories together. 

However, the result was different from previous dates, ending in a complete manner, and the burden of reality now lay before him.

If he didn’t marry her, Shiromiya Mirai would likely follow her destiny and marry someone she didn’t know or was unfamiliar with in a few years.

If their relationship became closer, not being able to be with her in the future might become a lifelong regret.

But if he married her, what about Ichinose and Ninomiya?

“Mr. Kurosawa, you beat sensei, why do you still look unhappy?”

At that moment, Shiromiya walked up to him, slightly bending over with her hands behind her back.

With her high ponytail and wearing a hakama, she looked different from the serious atmosphere during their private lessons. 

Her lively tone made her already beautiful face appear both dignified and elegant, like a refined young lady.

In reality, she hesitated for a long time before deciding to approach. According to their agreement, she was supposed to kiss Kurosawa as part of the celebration. As an adolescent girl, she naturally felt a bit shy.

However, seeing Kurosawa appearing troubled, she approached him either out of genuine concern or mustering up courage.

“…”

Kurosawa looked at her, opened his mouth, but the playful words got stuck in his throat.

If Sato hadn’t mentioned what he did earlier, he would have surely said something like, “I’m thinking about how you should kiss me; it’s giving me a headache.” 

However, he was now caught in hesitation.