The students, teachers, and staff of Seiryu High began to gather, forming a circle around the unfolding fight. Despite their fear of Osamu, they couldn’t resist watching—the spectacle was too rare to miss. It had been a while since anyone had dared to challenge Osamu, and those who did never fared well.
The crowd didn’t know who Carter was, only recognizing him as a foreigner and outsider. He gripped his hockey stick tightly, his face tense but determined, ready for the challenge ahead. Opposite him stood Osamu, dripping with confidence. Casually spinning his metal pole, Osamu’s defiance and self-assurance were clear.
The gathering crowd only fueled Osamu's excitement. He was pleased to have an audience, knowing this was exactly the kind of attention he craved. With a sneer, he shouted in Japanese, "This fight will show everyone what happens when you bring in outside help! Watch and see the consequences!"
Osamu’s voice rang through the crowd, his intent clear: he was going to use Carter as an example to warn others.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png]
"Show me, hockey boy!" Osamu taunted in broken English, trying to unnerve Carter. However, Carter remained calm, unfazed by Osamu's attempt to provoke him. He initiated the engagement, his movements reflecting the agility honed through years of competitive sports. He launched a Hockey Stick Sweep, a wide, sweeping motion similar to a hockey slap shot, aimed at destabilizing Osamu.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/da/Dominance_Parry.png]
But Osamu, with a provocateur's grin, used his Dominance Parry, his metal pole clashing against the hockey stick and deflecting the attack with ease—a clear testament to his preparedness. He laughed to himself, thinking, Is this really the strongest? Carter's first move seemed like nothing to him.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Rebel%27s_Jab.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d1/Carter_performs_Athlete%27s_Agility%2C_with_exceptional_agility_and_reflexes%2C_allowing_him_to_swiftly_dodge_attacks_and_maneuver_around_the_battlefield.png]
With the parry successful, Osamu pressed his advantage, following up with Rebel's Jab—a series of quick, targeted jabs with the end of his pole, designed to breach Carter’s defenses. Each move reflected Osamu's wild and aggressive nature. Carter, however, was able to dodge the attacks using his Athlete's Agility, relying on his exceptional reflexes and quickness.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5a/Justice_Jab.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d3/Osamu%27s_Guard.png]
Not wanting to lose ground, Carter countered with his own series of jabs—Justice Jab. His jabs were fast and direct, embodying his straightforward nature and strong sense of justice. But Osamu, with two defensive skills in his arsenal, used a technique called Osamu's Guard, positioning himself in a guarded stance. He used his pole to create a barrier that blocked Carter’s jabs. His posture mimicked that of a seasoned enforcer—both intimidating and strategic. To add insult to injury, Osamu yawned mockingly, taunting Carter.
"Is that all you've got?" Osamu sneered in Japanese.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6e/Osamu%27s_Strike.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9d/Slapshot_Smash.png]
Now on the offensive, Osamu swung with his Osamu's Strike, a powerful, sweeping blow meant to incapacitate. Carter, not backing down, countered with Slapshot Smash, winding up and delivering a powerful, high-speed strike with his hockey stick. The two weapons collided with a sharp, metallic "clang!" that echoed through the school corridor.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5f/Rink_Runner%E2%80%99s_Rush.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/79/Bully%27s_Bluff.png]
Carter, unfazed by the clash, immediately followed up with Rink Runner’s Rush, using his athletic stamina and speed to stay in constant motion, closing the distance with Osamu. Seeing Carter approach, Osamu feigned an attack with Bully's Bluff, pretending to launch a full strike. Carter, thinking the attack was real, halted his steps—but this was part of Osamu's plan.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/0/0f/Seiryu_Sweep.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9e/Vengeful_Smash.png]
Osamu quickly followed up with Seiryu Sweep, a low, wide arc aimed at Carter's legs, knocking him off his feet and sending him sprawling onto the concrete floor. As Carter lay on the ground, Osamu stood over him, his smug expression clear. With the perfect opening, Osamu prepared for his ultimate move: Vengeful Smash—a heavy, overhead strike fueled by his vengeful personality, meant to be a finishing blow, symbolizing his refusal to forgive or forget.
Gritting his teeth against the pain, Carter struggled to regain his footing as he lay on the concrete floor, his hockey stick out of reach. Osamu’s looming figure stood over him, radiating dominance. It was clear to everyone that Carter was unable to continue and had become the losing party. The crowd, watching in horror, had expected Osamu to win, but not with such brutality.
"Strongest? My foot!" Osamu taunted in Japanese, spitting on the ground, his tone dripping with mockery. But he didn’t stop. Laughing cruelly, Osamu continued his assault, striking Carter repeatedly, despite his fallen state.
To protect himself, Carter turned onto his stomach, covering his neck with both hands as Osamu’s steel pole rained down mercilessly on his back. "This is what happens when you bring outside help!" Osamu warned the crowd, his strikes unrelenting, using the brutality on Carter as a showcase, an example to all. The spectators, absorbing his words, looked on, their fear evident as Osamu sneered, his voice a chilling mix of contempt and triumph.
Meanwhile, Pimiko stood among the crowd, her expression one of feigned innocence. She showed no reaction to the violence unfolding before her. Her childlike demeanor masked the truth—her deep involvement in orchestrating this brutal encounter.
Back at Seiryu High School's baseball field, Jake had just finished his practice game with the school's baseball team. It was a great exchange where he learned about the differences between American and Japanese baseball culture. Everyone was all smiles, sweat dripping, as Jake gave high-fives to his new teammates, who enjoyed his company just as much.
Jake walked over to the spectator seats to rejoin his friends.
"Jake, you did great out there!" Yoko commented.
"Yes, I really enjoyed watching you play. It was lively," Luna agreed, while Akane nodded in unity.
"Thanks, guys! It was a really good exchange. Appreciate you arranging this, Yoko!" Jake said, thanking his cousin.
"Where’s Carter?" Jake asked, noticing his absence.
"Not sure where he went," Yoko replied. "He said he'd be back quickly, but it’s been more than 30 minutes."
"Maybe he found something fun to do around Seiryu High and got a little too caught up in it. Let’s go look for him!" Jake said, remaining optimistic that Carter was simply enjoying himself.
The group stood up from the spectator seats and made their way around the school campus to search for Carter.
Jake, Yoko, Akane, and Luna walked around the school, searching for Carter, whose prolonged absence was becoming worrying. They noticed a large crowd gathered nearby.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"Yoko, what are those students and teachers looking at?" Jake asked, curiosity piqued by the crowd. "Is there some kind of school activity going on?"
"I'm not sure either. Let's go take a look," Yoko said, leading the group, equally intrigued.
As they made their way through the crowd, they were met with a shocking sight. A figure wielding a steel pole was relentlessly striking Carter, who was defenseless on the ground, unable to fight back.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/13/Pinch_Hitter.png]
"Jake, be careful! That’s Osamu!" Yoko shouted, but before she could finish her warning, Jake’s instincts had already kicked in. He knew he had to protect Carter. Without hesitation, Jake stepped in with Pinch Hitter, his baseball bat intercepting the steel pole just before it could land another blow on Carter. The sudden intervention caused the force of the steel pole to rebound, sending Osamu staggering backward in shock.
"Enough!" Jake’s outcry echoed through the air.
The three girls rushed to Carter’s side, helping his battered body and moving him to a safer corner.
"Are you alright, Carter? I’m so sorry I got you into this," Yoko said, her voice filled with guilt, blaming herself for Osamu’s attack. Despite the pain evident in his face, Carter forced a smile, trying to reassure them. "I’m okay," he said, his voice raspy but heartfelt. But the strain was too much—Carter passed out from the pain.
"Carter!" Yoko and Luna cried out in unison.
Jake turned to face Osamu, but Osamu’s eyes weren’t on him. Instead, they were locked on Akane and Luna. Having defeated Carter, whom he believed was the strongest in the group based on Ushio's judgment, Osamu’s arrogance grew. Now, he was eager for another fight, this time against the girl who had beaten Ushio. But Osamu didn’t know whether that girl was Akane or Luna.
"I’ve beaten the strongest in your group. Now, which one of you is the sai wielder?" Osamu growled in Japanese, his metal pole ominously pointing at both of them, issuing a challenge that was as much a provocation as it was an invitation.
Yoko, her voice trembling with concern, placed her hand on Akane, trying to stop her from stepping forward. "Akane, please, I don’t want any of you getting hurt because of me," she pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears.
But Akane’s face was resolute. She was determined to pay Osamu back for what he had done to Carter. "Take Carter to the sick bay," she whispered, instructing Luna and Yoko to carry Carter away. Realizing there was no persuading her, Yoko and Luna followed her instructions, helping Carter to the sickbay.
As they left, Jake turned to Akane. "Do you want to take him on? I’m ready to step in, you know," he offered, though he trusted in Akane’s abilities.
Akane simply smiled back, pulling out her pair of sais, her face transforming into one of determination and focus as she faced Osamu, her stance ready for combat. Osamu sneered, sizing up Akane’s physique compared to his own. He knew Akane likely possessed agility, the same trait that had been Ushio’s downfall, but he believed that wouldn’t be a weakness for him.
Wielding his metal pole, Osamu exuded menacing confidence—a reflection of his history of unchallenged dominance and untamed will. "I’m not going to go easy on you just because you’re a girl!" Osamu taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6e/Osamu%27s_Strike.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/cb/Whispering_Willows.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/42/Silent_Cherry_Blossom_Thrust.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d3/Osamu%27s_Guard.png]
The encounter between Akane and Osamu was a blend of elegance and intensity. Osamu, fueled by growing confidence, went on the offensive, hoping to end the fight quickly. He launched his trademark move, Osamu's Strike, aiming a powerful sweeping blow at Akane. But with finesse, Akane dodged using her Whispering Willows technique, moving with the grace of falling leaves, effortlessly sidestepping Osamu's aggressive opening. She countered with Silent Cherry Blossom Thrust, her sai aiming for Osamu’s pressure point like a sudden falling blossom, but Osamu was ready. His Osamu's Guard deflected the blow, his metal pole forming an effective barrier.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5c/Crimson_Flash.png]
"You think those toys can stop me?" Osamu growled, his voice dripping with mockery and anticipation for the battle ahead. But Akane, unshaken and unwavering, focused on the offensive. She lunged forward with Crimson Flash, her speed lightning-fast as she closed the distance and delivered a powerful strike with the tip of her sai. This time, it struck Osamu's midsection while he was focused on his taunts, causing him to stagger back, clutching his stomach. The onlookers began whispering among themselves, recognizing Akane's skill. Jake, watching quietly, remained confident in her abilities.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6d/Wild_Fury.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f3/Whirlwind_Retreat.png]
Akane and Osamu maintained their distance, but Osamu, now enraged, wore his fury openly. His expression revealed his short fuse and vengeful nature. "You whore!" he spat, his yellow eyes glowing as he launched Wild Fury, a chaotic assault of swings, jabs, and spinning moves. Akane responded by spinning away with Whirlwind Retreat, using her sais to parry and create distance. But Wild Fury was too chaotic and relentless, leaving Akane little room to counter, and two or three strikes hit her.
"Akane!" Jake shouted in concern. But Akane, though struck, remained composed. She reassessed her tactic, deciding to shift to a defensive and disarmament strategy. She waited for Osamu to make a mistake, intending to turn the tide of the fight.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Rebel%27s_Jab.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8e/Dancing_Dragon%27s_Grasp.png]
Seeing his strikes connect, Osamu followed up with Rebel's Jab, using the end of his pole to aim strikes at Akane’s vital points. But Akane was prepared. She employed Dancing Dragon's Grasp, twirling her sais in an intricate pattern and entrapping Osamu’s steel pole, attempting to disarm him.
Then came an unexpected distraction. "Meow!" A loud cat-like sound echoed through the crowd, drawing Akane's attention for just a split second. It was Pimiko, her playful yet calculated distraction proving fatal. Akane’s grip on Osamu’s pole loosened.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Authority%27s_Grasp.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Proud_Stand.png]
Seizing the opportunity with predatory speed, Osamu unleashed Authority's Grasp, using his pole to pull Akane closer. Without hesitation, he planted the pole firmly and followed up with a high kick to her back, a move he called Proud Stand. The kick, executed ruthlessly, took full advantage of Akane’s moment of vulnerability, sending her crashing to the ground.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9e/Vengeful_Smash.png]
Lying on the ground, defenseless, and with her sais out of reach, Akane became the perfect target for Osamu's Vengeful Smash. Standing tall over her, he raised his steel pole overhead, proud of his apparent victory. "Sayonara!" he sneered as he swung the pole down to finish the fight, while Akane closed her eyes, bracing herself for the final blow.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6b/Jake_performing_Pinch_Hitter%2C_assessing_when_to_step_in_and_defend_his_allies%2C_using_his_bat_to_protect_and_counterattack.png]
But when she opened her eyes, nothing had hit her. Instead, she saw Jake's bat blocking the strike. Osamu gritted his teeth, trying to force his steel pole down toward Akane, but Jake, using all his strength and the solid grip of his baseball bat, pushed the attack back up. Jake, seeing Osamu's intent to land a finishing blow, had performed Pinch Hitter, stepping in at the crucial moment to defend his fallen ally.
Their eyes met—Osamu's yellow lenses glowing with mounting rage, while Jake's gaze remained firm, filled with the determination to protect.
Osamu finally gave up on forcing the blow, but his anger was undeniable. This was the second time Jake had interrupted his attack with Pinch Hitter. "Idiot!" he spat in Japanese, his displeasure clear. Osamu believed he was invincible, having already defeated both Carter and Akane, and he thought whoever Jake was didn’t stand a chance. "All your best have already been beaten! You dare challenge me?" Osamu continued with mindless taunts in Japanese. Even though Jake didn’t understand the words, he could tell from Osamu’s body language that the insults were nasty.
"Akane, move to safety," Jake commanded, and she nodded, picking up her pair of sais before retreating into the crowd.
Jake stood firm, holding his baseball bat in a combat stance. His message was clear: he intended to challenge Osamu, and he didn’t need words to make that known. His body language spoke for him.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7f/Metal_Pole.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1d/Harada_baseball_bat.png]
Osamu, feeling superior after his two victories, didn’t feel the slightest fatigue. He understood Jake's challenge and welcomed it. "I’ll make quick work of you and teach you not to meddle in my affairs!" he taunted further in Japanese, his voice dripping with arrogance. The crowd watched as the showdown between the steel pole and baseball bat was about to begin.