The Sword of Kaigen

Content Warning: This section contains depictions of graphic war-related violence.

Takeru returns from his meeting and tests Mamoru again. This time, Mamoru performs more competently, and although he is still unable to best his father, Takeru is satisfied and dismisses him. Afterward, Misaki asks what Takashi wished to tell Takeru. She learns that Takashi wants Takeru to leave his job at the Takayubi mayor’s office and replace Yukino as the sword master at Kumono Academy. Misaki knows that Yukino is a better teacher and that Takeru enjoys his work with the mayor. She also knows that Takashi only wants Takeru at the school because he is better at the administrative tasks that Takashi despises. However, Takeru does not dare to refuse because Takashi is the head of the family.

In the morning, Takashi announces this news to the rest of the family and drunkenly rants about his lack of opportunities during peacetime. He complains about being stuck behind a desk and compares himself to a sword that has rusted from lack of use. He hopes that Mamoru will be too bright to rust. Later that day, Takeru returns home early, bringing Misaki a letter from her former roommate at Daybreak, who is Ranganese.