The Amazing Son-in-Law
Chapter 1426
Charlie Wade's appearance shocked his master and apprentice, significantly dampening their enthusiasm. However, Yamamoto Kazuki still hoped Nanako Ito would perform well. Even if she didn't win the championship, a runner-up finish would be acceptable. However, poor performance could jeopardize even that.
Fortunately, a video showed Nanako Ito behaving normally. She isn't usually an excitable player; she's typically quiet before competitions, preferring to rest with her eyes closed, as she was now.
As the time neared, Tanaka Hiroichi announced, "Miss, we leave in five minutes."
Nanako Ito opened her eyes and gently nodded, "I understand."
Tanaka Hiroichi continued, "Miss, I'm connecting you with Coach Yamamoto. Do you have any other questions for him?" He immediately switched the camera, aiming the phone at Nanako Ito.
Nanako Ito saw the weakened Yamamoto Kazuki in his hospital bed and respectfully asked, "Master, how are you feeling?"
Yamamoto Kazuki chuckled, "My biggest problem is that I feel nothing."
Nanako Ito quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Master. I didn't mean it."
Yamamoto Kazuki smiled slightly. "It's alright. I've accepted my fate." He then raised his voice, stating bluntly, "Nanako! Today's match is crucial. Winning or losing the silver medal depends on this victory. Don't be discouraged. You're probably not Aurora's match, but winning this game secures the silver medal."
He explained the top four match rules: pairs compete, with winners advancing to the championship match and losers competing for third place. Winning today guaranteed Nanako Ito at least the silver medal.
Nanako Ito nodded seriously. "Master, I know I'm no match for Aurora, but I'll give my all in every remaining match and won't disappoint you!"
Yamamoto Kazuki said with satisfaction, "Excellent. Win this match; the next is against Aurora. Give it your all; let Charlie Wade admire you. Then, during Aurora's match, if you get the chance, ask Charlie Wade to accept you as a disciple!"
Nanako Ito smiled wryly. "Master, Charlie Wade won't accept me."
Yamamoto Kazuki was puzzled. "A talented apprentice like you? Charlie Wade wouldn't refuse. Why would he refuse you?"
Nanako Ito shook her head. "Because I'm Japanese."
"What?" Yamamoto Kazuki frowned. "Charlie Wade looks down on us Japanese?"
Nanako Ito replied, "Not exactly. He said the Chinese have trained many Japanese, but the Japanese have sought revenge for two or three hundred years, so…"
Yamamoto Kazuki sighed. "Charlie Wade masters true high-level martial arts. Before seeing his strength, we were ignorant. Now, without the chance to learn his high-level martial arts, years of training feel wasted…"
Chapter 1427
Nanako Ito felt regretful, realizing her limitations and wanting to improve but lacking the opportunity from Charlie Wade.
Yamamoto Kazuki, seeing her dejected, urged, "Nanako, now isn't the time for this. Win this match first; we'll discuss the rest later!"
Nanako Ito nodded firmly, telling Yamamoto Kazuki, "Master, I'll go on stage."
"Go!" Yamamoto Kazuki encouraged. "Give it your all, regardless of whether Charlie Wade accepts you. Show him your strength! Play beautifully!"
"Beautifully?"
"Yes!" Yamamoto Kazuki insisted. "Nanako, Aurora's one-move victory over Joanna went viral. Strive for a one-move victory and control your opponent!"
Nanako Ito sighed. "Master, Michelle is the second seed. We've fought before. I've always won, but each fight was fierce. A one-move victory is difficult…"
Yamamoto Kazuki responded, "If you can't achieve a one-move victory, defeat her decisively in the first match. Let Charlie Wade see your strength and admire you! Even if he never accepts you as a disciple, show him your talent surpasses Aurora's! Not accepting you would be his loss!"
Nanako Ito resolutely replied, "I understand, Master!"
A minute later, the four semi-finalists were waiting in their respective areas. Aurora and Nanako Ito shared the same goal: a decisive victory to impress Charlie Wade.
After the host's introduction, he announced, "First, let's welcome our Chinese player, Aurora!"
Aurora took a deep breath and entered the arena.
Next, the host announced, "And now, Aurora's opponent, the Australian player, Victoria!"
A blonde Australian player entered, appearing nervous and less confident than Aurora.
Then, the host called Nanako Ito's name and her opponent, Michelle from the United States. Both were calm, their eyes showing a strong desire to win.
Michelle, the second seed, was almost as strong as Nanako. After watching Aurora's previous match, she knew her championship hopes were slim, so, like Nanako Ito, she aimed to secure the silver medal.
Michelle was even more pragmatic, considering forfeiting the final against Aurora to avoid injury. Missing a single competition wasn't a disaster; a year-long injury was.
Chapter 1428
The four contestants entered their respective arenas, surrounded by a packed and enthusiastic audience.
Charlie Wade stood behind Aurora, in the coach's position. The opposing coach watched nervously, ready to throw in the towel if needed.
Aurora, with a serious expression, faced Victoria. Before her physical improvements by Charlie Wade, she was no match for Victoria's superior physique. Now, however, she was confident. She pondered her strategy.
Meanwhile, in the other arena, Nanako Ito was considering the same. Her eyes weren't on Michelle but on Charlie Wade in the other ring. She believed that a strong performance would gain his attention.
What constituted "strong enough"? A one-move victory, as her master suggested!
The referees simultaneously announced the start of both matches.
Chapter 1429
Aurora approached Victoria, seeking an opening. Victoria, wary, remained defensive.
In the other ring, Michelle immediately attacked Nanako Ito aggressively. Nanako Ito retreated, dodging the blows while searching for the perfect moment for a decisive strike.
Aurora closed the distance with Victoria, forcing her to the corner. Seizing her opportunity, Aurora unleashed a powerful kick. Victoria attempted to block, but the force was too great; her arms were broken, and she was sent flying, mirroring Joanna's defeat.
The crowd gasped. Victoria's coach threw in the towel, and Aurora advanced to the finals, to great applause.
Meanwhile, Nanako Ito was being relentlessly beaten by Michelle. She endured, refusing to strike back until she found an opening.
Michelle, unaware of Nanako Ito's strategy, exploited her passive defense, inflicting significant damage. Nanako Ito, despite the pain, resisted the urge to counterattack, reminding herself to achieve a one-move victory to impress Charlie Wade.
Chapter 1430
From a distance, Charlie Wade noticed Nanako Ito's battered condition and passive defense, but also observed her keen observation of her opponent's movements. He was puzzled by her inaction.
Nanako Ito saw Charlie Wade and noticed what she perceived as distress in his eyes. She wrestled with self-doubt, questioning whether he could genuinely care about her, given their cultural differences and past events.
However, she decided to test her theory, allowing Michelle to land a blow. Seeing increased distress in Charlie Wade's face, she felt a surge of joy.
Michelle, however, puzzled by Nanako Ito's behavior, was momentarily distracted. This gave Nanako Ito her long-awaited opportunity. She saw that Charlie Wade was watching, with what she interpreted as concern, and she knew she must seize the chance. She had to not only shock him but earn his applause.