Chapter 13

**The Matches Begin** is chapter thirteen of the second volume of the manga.

## Summary

Himari Azuma and Shushu Suruga bathe in the 7th Unit dorm onsen and discuss the upcoming Mato Exhibition Games. Himari informs Shushu she has come up with a new technique that the 6th Unit will not be able to counter. Shushu wonders if Himari will cease to fight alongside Yuuki Wakura once the match is over and Himari concedes that she probably will since Yuuki belongs to Kyouka Uzen and she has other skills she can use. This news pleases Shushu. Himari comments that she has to give it her all since the entire Anti-Demon Corps will be aware of the match and her performance will reflect on Kyouka. Shushu remarks that Himari should show her "cool" side and Himari vigorously agrees that she should perform well since Kyouka put the match together for her sake.

The two are then approached by a member of the 6th Unit who surprise them with her sudden appearance. The girl tells them that the 6th Unit arrived early, but preparations will take some time. As the girl lies down to relax, Himari informs Shushu that the girl's name is Sahara Wakasa and she does not come out often. As Sahara falls asleep, Shushu remarks on how funny it is, but Himari says she has guts.

Some time later, the 7th and 6th Unit members gather to face off in the match. With both Units having some of their members away, Kyouka observes that their game options are limited. However, Tenka Izumo reminds her that they will just go with one-on-one matches as planned. Ginna Bizen, from the 10th Unit, introduces herself as the referee and activates her ability "Ginna's Club", creating a large dome around the area. The barrier is created by Ginna drawing a large circle in a given area, acting as the boundary, and anyone who gives their signature to her can enter the barrier and is healed of any wounds within the barrier. Ginna is enthralled by her ability and the upcoming match as it allows her to watch the Anti-Demon Corps members up close. Tenka comments that Ginna's barrier could hold back even a thousand Shuuki. When Kyouka remarks to Ginna that they will be counting on her, Ginna ecstatically replies that she will give it her all. On the sidelines, Yuuki wonders if Ginna is an Anti-Demon Corps fan, but, as he meets her gaze, she gives him a disgruntled look.

Suddenly, Nei Ookawamura brandishes a banner to cheer on the 7th Unit. She informs Yuuki that she is not a combatant and so will cheer for the 7th Unit as best as she can.

Ginna announces the start of the first match and Yachiho Azuma steps forward. Himari approaches as well and activates Slave to turn Yuuki into his Whirlwind form. Himari informs Yachiho that Yuuki will be joining the battle as part of her ability, which Yachiho agrees to, though she believes it will not make a difference. Ginna announces the rules that a contestant loses when they give up or cannot continue. Yachiho says that she will take Himari back to the Azuma Estate and give her a reformation once she wins, but Himari insists that she will be the one to win.

As the match begins, Yachiho smugly tries to warn Himari, but she is suddenly attacked by Yuuki's "Branding" technique and is sent flying. Yachiho is furious at the sudden attack and activates her Golden Hour ability, rewinding time to before the attack occurred. Himari sees that Yachiho is tired and, thus, has used her ability even after taking Branding. Himari and Yuuki leap into the air and Yachiho observes that they are moving differently this time. Yachiho thinks to herself that she will not be careless and, unknown to Himari, her Golden Hour ability has grown. She asserts that she will show her power over Himari as her big sister by activating her "Prime Time".

## Characters by Appearance

* Shushu Suruga
* Himari Azuma
* Sahara Wakasa
* Kyouka Uzen
* Yachiho Azuma
* Tenka Izumo
* Ginna Bizen
* Yuuki Wakura
* Nei Ookawamura