Chapter 244: The Tournament Begins [2] Kenzo stood from their table. "Well, gentlemen, it appears our pleasant meal has reached its conclusion. Let’s enjoy ourselves in the tournament, fight well and let’s see each other in the finals." His dark eyes lingered on both Noah and Ichigo with obvious anticipation before departing toward the exit. Noah watched him leave with a soft frown on his face. The guy before him was by no means weak, Noah could tell from his moments. "That guy is... interesting," Ichigo commented. "Definitely unique," Noah agreed, already shifting his focus toward the tournament, rather than dwelling on Kenzo. .... Time passed blissfully as Noah embraced a relaxed approach to his pre-tournament preparation. Rather than engaging in intense last-minute training before the competition began, he chose to conserve his energy while maintaining loose, comfortable movement. The resort’s facilities provided an ideal environment for warm-up activities. Noah and Ichigo made their way to one of the designated practice areas, where other competitors were engaged in various preparation routines ranging from meditation to drill sessions. "You seem pretty calm for someone about to compete," Ichigo observed as they began some basic stretching exercises together. "Most people get really nervous before tournaments. To be honest, I’m nervous myself about it. I don’t know how you can maintain a calm mind." "I figure there’s no point stressing. Whatever happens will happen, I’m also confident in my ability." Ichigo listened to Noah’s words with an understanding expression before nodding his head. "I understand what you are saying, but it’s easier said than done." They moved through simple mobility exercises, nothing strenuous enough to cause fatigue but sufficient to ensure their bodies were properly prepared for sudden movement and combat situations. Ichigo demonstrated some traditional warm-up forms that his sensei had taught him, fluid movements that combined stretching with basic technique rehearsal. Noah did the same, going through the warm-up forms that Master Tanaka had taught him. "Your form is really clean," Ichigo commented with obvious admiration as they worked through their own sequences. "You must have had excellent instruction." "Good teachers make all the difference," Noah agreed, thinking of both Master Tanaka’s patient guidance and Valeria’s demanding training sessions that had shaped his current experience. They spent time discussing different martial arts while maintaining their warm-up routines. Ichigo’s enthusiasm for the art itself, beyond just winning competitions, reminded Noah why he’d grown to appreciate swordsmanship as more than just a means to an end. "My sensei always says that tournaments teach you about yourself as much as they test your technique." "Wise advice," Noah replied, finding himself genuinely curious about what the competition might reveal about his own development both as a martial artist and as someone who had been transformed by his otherworldly adventures. As their informal warm-up session continued, other competitors occasionally joined them for shared exercises or brief conversations. The atmosphere remained friendly despite the competitive environment. The pure, unpolluted mountain air and peaceful surroundings created a meditative quality to their preparations. Noah felt his mind clear, and his focus hightened as the tournament approached. "You know," Ichigo said as they concluded their warm-up routine, "whatever happens in the tournament, I’m glad we got to meet and practice together. It’s been fun having a training partner who takes things seriously but doesn’t get all intense about it." "Same here," Noah replied with genuine warmth. "Good luck out there." "You too! May the best swordsman win, but let’s make sure we both have a good time doing it." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺 ... The time had finally arrived, and the announcement echoed across the resort’s many speakers that ensured every participant would receive the message regardless of their current location. "To all participants, please head to the tournament’s combat arena immediately. The first duel will commence in five minutes. Failure to attend your scheduled duel will result in automatic disqualification from the competition." The voice was strict about the consequences, making it clear that punctuality was not merely encouraged but absolutely required for continued participation. Noah and Ichigo, who had positioned themselves near the arena during their warm-up activities, felt no concern about the consequences of missing their respective matches. They had already arrived at the arena, to observe the early fights while remaining readily available when their own turns arrived. Noah turned toward his friend with genuine warmth despite the competitive environment they were about to enter. "Good luck on your duel," he said with sincere support for Ichigo’s success. They had already studied the tournament brackets during their preparation time, discovering that Ichigo had been assigned as the very first competitor of the entire tournament. Noah’s match was scheduled third, allowing him to observe two complete fights before facing his opponent. Ichigo nodded with that same smile radiating, though Noah could detect subtle signs of nervousness beneath his friend’s confident exterior. The magnitude of opening the tournament carried pressure that even someone with Ichigo’s positive attitude couldn’t entirely dismiss. It was Ichigo’s first tournament after all. "Thanks, Noah. Here goes nothing," Ichigo replied nervous energy that suggested he was both excited and anxious about the challenge ahead. Five minutes passed with remarkable speed as both contestants made their way to the arena platform. The preparations concluded, and the tournament atmosphere intensified. The arena itself was an impressive circular space surrounded by elevated seating that allowed all participants and officials to observe matches clearly. Ichigo stepped into the main arena alongside his assigned opponent, a serious-looking swordsman who had a focused look on his face. Noah could tell from the man’s demeanour that he had years of practice and experience under his belt. Both fighters carried real but dull swords that had been provided by the tournament organisers. At their level, they no longer used wooden swords; otherwise, it would be a disgrace for such a tournament. The three judges sat next to each other. All judges had a calm expression on their faces as they looked at both contestants on the platform. Their elevated seating provided optimal viewing angles for scoring decisive strikes and evaluating technique quality. Their presence lent real weight to proceedings that would determine advancement through the tournament brackets.