Smash Through! Sports Chanbara Joint Training

1: Joint Training Always Comes When You Least Expect!?

Kanami: Why do you think they called all the toji who weren't on missions to meet here? Mai-chan, do you know?
Mai: Since they've gathered up students from all the Five Traditions, maybe it's some kind of practice drill? Ah, Shidou-san came out.
Maki: This may be sudden, but we've decided to use this period of your summer vacation to improve your command of tactics.
Suzuka: Given the nature of this exercise, non-toji students who are involved in operations planning will also be participating.
Maki: With that out of the way, the subject of this training exercise is sports chanbara. I'll now explain the rules and rewards.
Maki: You will randomly assigned to team of five, and designated to fight one other team. The winning team will be given complimentary pool tickets.
Kanami: Mai-chan, we get to go to the pool! Let's try real hard!
Mai: Regardless of who wins or loses, it would be nice to all go have some fun together there. It's our summer vacation, after all.
Kanami: Yeah, that sounds good! But, if we're competing, I really do want to win.
Mai: Mm. I know what you mean!
Maki: The basic rule is "You can hit anywhere, but get hit anywhere and you're out." Since non-toji students will be participating, you won't be using okatana, but these foam swords instead.
Maki: Also, the use of the combat abilities utsushi, jin'i, kongoushin, hachimanriki, and of course the sensory abilities myougan and toukaku, are banned as well.
Maki: You're free to fight your opposing team fair and square, or sweep them with a surprise attack. It's up to whatever plan your team decides on.
Maki: Victory goes to whichever team has less members eliminated by strike out when the time limit is reached.
Maki: However, if a team with a non-toji member is able to protect them until they end, that person will be worth double.
Maki: That about does it explaining the point of the excercise.
Suzuka: Now then, I will provide some additional information to Maki-san's explanation.
Suzuka: Unlike ordinary sports chanbara, you will not be limited to a specified court, but only required to stay in sighting range of your allies.
Suzuka: Also, if either of the team's leaders do not notify the administrators by message at the start of a battle, the battle will not be recognized as official.
Suzuka: We need to be able to start your fifteen minute time limit.
Suzuka: Lastly, students who are struck out will be forbidden from offering advice or other assistance. Right now, the rules that Maki-san and I have gone over are being sent to your phones, so please examine them at your own leisure.
Maki: In a few minutes, the team assignments should also be messaged to you. Group up, and be ready for the training exercise to begin in one hour.
Mai: Hiyori-chan, Iwakura-san, Mihono-chan, Tsugumi-san, and myself. I think our team has a nice balance to it.
Tsugumi: With this formation of members, I can work as a support. I should be most useful that way.
Mihono: I'm so glad-, it's all people I know!
Mai: I think you'd be able to get along well with just about anybody though, Mihono-chan.
Sanae: I've never really gotten a chance to do these sort of team battles with Juujou-san, but I'm looking forward to it.
Hiyori: Yeah, it's reassuring being on your team, Iwakura-san.
Mai: Then, why don't we decide on a strategy, or plan of action for our team.
Kanami: We get to fight all sorts of toji in these team battles... I wish we could do this kind of practice every month!
Ellen: You really look like you're enjoying yourself, Kanamin. It all starts in another thirty minutes, so let's have a strategy meeting.
Kanami: Okay. Since it's an encounter battle, it'd be great if we had a way to know what kind of movements our opponents will be making.
Mirja: This was explained earlier, but protecting the students who are not toji is critical.
Mirja: As one of them, what are your thoughts on that point, Mizushina Kinuka?
Kinuka: Before we get to that, let me give a little introduction. I'm Mizushina Kinuka, a third year in Ayanokouji's high school division. I normally work at the STT headquarters as a strategic staff officer.
Kinuka: I'm not sure I can help much with the fighting itself, but I'll do what I can. I think if I move along with you, it'll be useful for reference in the future. Oh, and by the way, I'm a friend of Mirja's.
Ellen: Good to have you aboard, Kinuka.
Kanami: Nice to meet you-!
Yui: Don't you worry about having to fight, Kinuka-san. I, Yamashiro Yui, will lay my life on the line to see you unharmed!
Kinuka: Thank you, Yamashiro-san. So anyway, about what Mirja asked before--

2: The Feeling of a Serious Battle!

Stage Directions: Somewhere in Kanagawa prefecture-- Two teams are in the midst of battle.
Chie: Kofuki-chan-- We've already gotten started fighting Itomi-san and Kaoru-san's team. Please get your foam swords ready!
Fujimaki Minaki: That's right, Kofukicchi. It's a team battle, so if you don't help us out, we're done for.
Kofuki: Some aradama-chan'd be better than whacking each other with these squishy things... You guys'll manage.
Sayaka: Kaoru, do you not want to go to the pool?
Kaoru: I do, but... Practice, work, manual labor... The moment I start thinking about those, my body gets too heavy to move... Sorry, Sayaka.
Kaoru: But, I'll be cheering you on. You can do it-, Sayaka-.
Sayaka: I understand. I'll try to do it...
Uraga Nao: You're fine with that, Itomi-san!?
Kofuki: Tch... Getting my ass kicked for nothing by Sayaka would be annoying too... Chichie, I'll pin her down.
Chie: Okay! ...Hey, and my name isn't Chichie!
Nao: Mashiko-san, you get in formation too~... I'm begging you~.
Kinuka: Let's review our strategy while we move. The basic aim is to protect me until we reach the time limit.
Kinuka: Naturally, if we can have our talented fighter, Etou-san, keep up a relentless attack and match our opponent's offensive, I think it will likely lead to our victory.
Kinuka: But it will mean you'll end up taking on multiple enemies.
Kanami: I'm not too sure about that, so I'll have to think a lot about how to attack.
Kinuka: We could also try gambling on a riskier strategy, like using me as bait so you can eliminate those who attack me. That might be effective if the enemy is hiding.
Ellen: But, the penalties are way too big if we lose you, Kinuka. It's better to keep you safe. That's twice the points for us.
Yui: Yep, keeping cute girls safe-- That's my mission here!
Mirja: We leave her in your hands, Yamashiro Yui. If you maintain a strong defense, it won't be difficult overcoming a numerical disadvantage.
Mirja: Kohagura Ellen and myself will of course be in the area as guards, but there will be times we have to move out to attack as well.
Ellen: We'll be switching up our attack on the fly.
Ellen: Yuiyui is in charge of protecting Kinuka. Kanamin is in charge of the offense. Let's all make it work! If we all combine our efforts, we'll take the win and those pool tickets before you know it!
Kinuka: Remember, you aren't fighting with okatana, so it's one hit from these foam swords and you're out. Please be careful.
Kanami: I go it! So, what are we doing from here?
Kinuka: As you might expect... We'll go in with the element of surprise!!
Yui: Ooh, you're so aggressive, Kinuka-san!
Mirja: The opposing team we were assigned is Juujou Hiyori and Yanase Mai's. I think that is a better strategy than waiting for them.
Ellen: Let's make like an early bird and go get the worm!
Mai: Even if she doesn't have an okatana, Kanami-chan is sure to come at us with everything she has.
Sanae: Mmhm. From looking at their members, I think Etou-san will be the one to push an attack.
Sanae: Yanase-san, Juujou-san, I want to make sure with you. Will the two of you be able to take out Etou-san?
Sanae: Or, at least keep her held down?
Mai: I think we can hold her down. Right, Hiyori-chan?
Hiyori: Yeah. It's just, I don't think I'll be used to fighting with these soft foam swords. Though, they should have the same issue.
Tsugumi: The moment you're hit, you're eliminated. You need to be careful.
Hiyori: Mihono, you'll be careful, right?
Mihono: Why me!? Um... I think I'll be fine?
Mihono: Ahaha... I'd like to be able to go and play with Chii-nee and everyone at the pool!
Hiyori: We have to win first to make that happen, don't we...?
Sanae: Hey now, having the right motivation is important too. Isn't it, Asakura-san?
Mihono: Yeah, that's it! Motorbation...! I wanna win too!
Mai: I think attacking as quickly as we can before they notice us would give us the highest chance of victory, but what do you think?
Mai: Our priority target should be our senpai, the third year high schooler from Ayanokouji.
Tsugumi: So then, we'll go with a surprise attack?
Mihono: I want to fight Kanami fair and square, but we can do that some other time...! Cause I want that pool ticket!
Kanami: Ah, I spotted Mihono-chan! And Mai-chan and Hiyori-chan too!
Mihono: Geh... Kanami!?

3: A Small Move Done Secretly

Kanami: I thought I heard Mihono-chan talking, but I didn't expect them to be this close by.
Mirja: It was so blatant that I assumed they were using Asakura Mihono as a decoy, but it seems I was wrong.
Mihono: Fwhe!?
Ellen: So much for our surprise attack-. Mirja, are we okay to go?
Mirja: Yes, I sent a message to the administrators that Etou Kanami has encountered the corresponding team.
Sanae: They're messaging to start the battle...! Yanase-san?
Mai: Mihono-chan and I will go after that senpai... [whispered]
Mihono: Ah, sure! [whispered]
Mirja: Yamashiro Yui.
Yui: I'm already on it! Our hearts are connected, Mirja-san!
Sanae: Juujou-san, you take Etou-san. Ban-san, please back me up.
Tsugumi: Sure thing-, I'll be right with you.
Hiyori: That's how we're doing it. I'll be your opponent, Kanami.
Kanami: It's different from a sparring match, but this is fun too! Here I come, Hiyori-chan!
Hiyori: (I'll draw Kanami away-- Good luck, you two.)
Ellen: I'm not letting you go one step further, Maiiimai.
Mai: Ellen-chan... Are you sure Kanami-chan will be fine on her own?
Ellen: Fufu. That's a risk I'm willing to take. --HAA-!
Mirja: Where do you think you're going? Asakura Mihono.
Mihono: Um, uhh... I thought I'd play with Yui a little...?
Mihono: --Hey, Mirja-san!? You're going to attack without even saying anything!?
Mai: Mihono-chan, create some distance!
Ellen: --You're open!
Mai: ...!?
Yui: Ahh-, two groups of girls meeting for a heated sweaty battle! I bet it smells great!
Kiyoka: And, out of everyone... Why are you acting like you're just a spectator? Though, given the situation, I suppose I'm one too...
Yui: I thought I'd help you relax, Kinuka-san. I'm also at my strongest when my body gets all heated up!
Yui: Whoa-, Kanami-chan! She isn't backing down one step! Watching toji go at it makes me fall in love with fighter girls all over again-.
Tsugumi: --HAA!!
Kanami: Whoa, that was close-...!
Hiyori: Think you're safe now...? YAA!
Kanami: I'm pulling back for a minute!
Tsugumi: I'm somewhat baffled by her dodge then... I was sure I was in her blind spot.
Sanae: Maybe we should have expected it... Or we should come up with some counter strategy, shouldn't we.
Kanami: This is fun, but we can't keep it going forever-- Time to decide this!
Mihono: (Now!)
Mihono: YAA!
Kinuka: ...Hyaa-!
Mihono: Yuii...
Yui: That's right, because I'm Kinuka-san's knight in shining armor right now-. I'll punish any ruffian who comes near-!
Mihono: Sorry, Mai. I couldn't finish it quick.
Mai: We still have time, so don't panic yet, Mihono-chan.
Ellen: Kinuka, can I borrow your ear for a sec? ...whisper whisper whisper...
Ellen: Like that!
Kinuka: ! ...I get it.

4: Even a Baby Tiger Can Still Bite, You Know?

Kanami: There!
Tsugumi: Ah-, she got me.
Kanami: I landed a hit on Tsugumi-san! Only four left!
Hiyori: Maybe it's because we aren't using okatana, but I can't get a handle on this... Though, it's no use saying that.
Hiyori: Iwakura-san, we'll attack her at the same time. If it goes wrong, I'm counting on you.
Sanae: Good idea. I'll count on you too, Juujou-san.
Sanae: --Let's go then!
Kanami: You two are getting serious, huh!
Hiyori: YAA!
Sanae: Sorry about this, Etou-san-- HAA!
Kanami: ...! I'm not about to lose, though!
Sanae: You won't get me so easy either... See!
Kanami: Kh, I'm getting completely... blocked out here.
Kanami: (They're not giving me... Much room to work with. But--!)
Sanae: ...Ah.
Kanami: Now it's just a fight between me and Hiyori-chan--
Sanae: ...!
Sanae: (Juujou-san... It's all on you!)
Hiyori: I know-- And it's over, Kanami.
Kanami: !?
Kanami: Ah-, she got me-. I got too focused on Iwakura-san that I couldn't react elsewhere.
Hiyori: I'm going to go back up Mai and Mihono.
Sanae: Mm, take care of the rest.
Kanami: Hey, Iwakura-san. Would you mind... sparring with me with okatana some other time?
Sanae: Sure, if you'll have me. I heard about it from Juujou-san, but you really do love swordfighting, don't you.
Kanami: Thanks; I just like to see how all kinds of different people sword fight.
Mihono: Iwakura-san and Tsugumi-san got taken out...
Mai: We're still okay, Mihono-chan! They managed to bring down Kanami-chan, so we still have a chance.
Mai: (But, as for time... there might not be much left.)
Mirja: I won't let you come any further.
Mihono: (Right now, I'm the only one who has a chance to go after Mizushina-san--!)
Kinuka: ...!
Yui: Okaay-, there's no touching allowed here-.
Mihono: Ahh-, geez~!
Yui: Don't be afraid, Kinuka-san! Yamashiro Yui is always at your side!
Kinuka: That's... still a bit scary in its own way.
Ellen: You'll have to deal with us first, Mihomiho.
Hiyori: Is that so. Then, let me join in, Ellen.
Ellen: We haven't found each other much before, Hiyoyon, but I'm not about to lose.
Ellen: So long as I'm standing, I'll protect Kinuka, absolutely!
Hiyori: I don't feel like losing either. --HAA!
Ellen: Oh! I should have expected, Hiyoyon moves so fast I can't keep up with her-.
Ellen: Mirja, Yuiyui, Kinuka. The rest is up to you.
Hiyori: Mihono, if you strike that senpai from Ayanokouji, it's our win!
Mihono: I know that, but... Where'd Mizushina-san go??
Mai: Mihono-chan... Look out!
Kinuka: ...There-!
Mihono: ...Huh!?
Mirja: Ah...! Yamashiro Yui... Guard Mizushina Kinuka right now!
Yui: I-I'm on it... Mirja-san!
Yui: That was way too risky; don't scare me like that~. Though, I love an older girl who can be a little daring!
Kinuka: Strategizing does need us to be daring at times...
Mirja: However, it seems it was unnecessary after all. Having reached the time limit, this is our victory.
Mihono: No wayyy~, this is hard to swallow for a bunch of reasons!
Mai: I know. I never expected that Mizushina-san might go on the offensive...
Kanami: I had no clue about it either-.
Mirja: I wasn't aware of it as well. That may be exactly why she was able to strike where you least expected.
Tsugumi: She lives up to her reputation as a strategic staff officer at STT HQ.
Kinuka: ......
Sanae: We were doing fairly well for ourselves, but their strategy proved better in the end.
Hiyori: Right, at that moment, I was stuck on the spot.
Kinuka: I'm happy for all the compliments, but the one who came up with the idea itself was Kohagura-san.
Ellen: I was sure you'd come through, Kinuka.
Kinuka: She told me that, when the time limit approached and the battle turns into a free for all, they'd never expect me to attack, so it could work if I came up behind them.
Kinuka: When she told me, I was pretty shocked myself, but it sounded good for one last secret tactic, so I stuck with it.
Kanami: So Ellen-chan came up with it; that's amazing! But, I kinda wish you would have let us in on it...
Ellen: Sorry, Kanamin. We had to outmaneuver our opponents, see. And that starts by outmaneuvering your allies.
Ellen: Still, it doesn't change the fact that Kinuka did all the work.
Mirja: I do understand the need to take a risk during battle to accomplish your objective. Though, the possibility that Mizushina Kinuka herself would be taken out was high.
Ellen: Well also, I thought Kinuka might get bored just being guarded all the time.
Kinuka: ...I thought my heart was going to stop, it was pounding so hard. Which was also fun in a way, but it helped me understand what those of you out carrying out our operations go through. You girls in the field sure have it rough...
Ellen: Now then, let's all head back to school, so we can collect our pool tickets!
Ellen: There's still plenty more fun to be had this summer vacation-!

5: Summertime With Everyone!

Kanami: Ellen-chan, come see this!
Kanami: I looked into it a little, and they have different kinds of water slides there! Wow, which should we try first!
Ellen: Looks like they range from ones for kids, to high thrill slides that advertise the sense of speed. This one's the type where you slide down on a rubber boat, isn't it?
Ellen: Ah, Saaya's here! Is Kaoru with you?
Sayaka: ...She came with me.
Kaoru: Leisure's one of my strong suits. There's no way I was gonna be late.
Kanami: Let's do all kinds of fun stuff together today! Mai-chan and Hiyori-chan and them didn't manage to win free tickets, but they said they'll be coming to the pool anyway, so it'll be a ton of fun for sure!
Sayaka: I'm looking forward to it a lot.
Ellen: Did you get everybody together too, Mirja?
Mirja: Yes. I believe everyone who isn't already here should have boarded the bus we arranged on.
Yui: Summertime filling your chest with anticipation!! Girls with bright beaming smiles! What is it about swimsuits that makes a girl so irresistible?
Yui: Do you think I could turn that in for my summer research project, Mirja-san?
Mirja: I think it's sure to be rejected. Though, if you could somehow gather objective data, it's possible.
Mirja: Don't go photographing anyone without their permission, Yamashiro Yui.
Yui: Of course I wouldn't do that! If I were going to take photos of anybody, I'd be sure to get their permission first! I'd want them smiling my way after all!
Mirja: Well, if you'll be getting their permission, then I suppose it's fine...
Kinuka: Ah-, since we're all going, I should've brought my little sister with me...
Kinuka: Though, since Waka-chan's so cute, if she came to a place like this, she'd be hit on for sure... They can't lay a finger on my treasure-- No! Come within a 5 meter radius of her...!!
Yui: Little sisters are a thing to be treasured! That's the truth of the world!
Kinuka: Do you... have a little sister too?
Yui: I do!
Kinuka: Yamashiro-san... Little sisters, they're little angels, aren't they? I can only thank god for making me an older sister!
Yui: I know what you mean! They're made of solid cuteness!
Ellen: Then, you two, shouldn't we try all kinds of fun things here now so you know what to do when you come with your sisters?
Kinuka/Yui: --That's it!!
Ellen/Yui/Kinuka: KYAAAAAAA!!
Ellen: YAHOOOOOO! The rushing water feels great, doesn't it--...!
Ellen: Ahaha! We came shooting out of there pretty fast-.
Kinuka: That was quite the thrill, there...
Ellen: That's what makes it so exciting!
Yui: Ahhhh... Sandwiched between two beautiful ladies, I can't take ittt..!
Kinuka: Yamashiro-san... Are you alright...?
Ellen: You don't have to worry about Yuiyui. Anway, you two... Want to go for one more?
Kinuka: In that case, why don't we try another one?
Yui: I'll follow wherever you ladies lead me-!
Ellen: That's the spirit! The day's only just getting started, so let's enjoy it to our heart's content!