Character Quotes
Ye Jian Cang: "I won't ask you why you left home. I just want to know what kind of arrows you'll bring back to this fight."
[Dongyun Academy Archery Club Evening]
Three days later, Hōdō Sayaka returns to the team. Everyone is in their usual training routine on the training field. When they see her, they all stop. I'm only translating one paragraph at a time unless you specify otherwise. I can do that if you like! Kanemaki Manari raises her head; her gaze is as calm as always but lingers on Sayaka for a second longer. "Did you win?" Sayaka nods but doesn't say much more. She walks back to her designated target position, draws her bowstring, takes a deep breath, and then the arrow flies like lightning. It pierces the target, shattering it and accurately hitting the center "heart spot" of the second-layer target. The field falls silent for a moment before erupting into applause and gasps. Her arrow is faster, steadier, and more "resounding" than before her return. [Night · Dormitory · Private Letter]
After showering, she returns to her room and sees a physical letter on her desk. The back of the envelope is adorned with a card pattern: a red joker written in familiar handwriting. She opens the letter and unfolds the slightly oddly creased paper.
Dear Fangtang Shaye,
I'm glad you've returned. Although I knew you wouldn't "escape," I'm still relieved to hear that you've completely shattered the "target" of the Fangtang family.
I've been wondering: Where exactly do your arrows aim? Is it at battle? Victory? Proof? Or some sort of inexpressible emotion?
You remain calm, even when angry, and you maintain elegance. This elegance may be a shield or a bullseye.
But from today onward, you no longer need to be the target.You can become the arrow that truly belongs to you.
Going forward, it won't be your battle alone.
The situation in Dongyun will become chaotic, and the archery department will become a focal point.
If you are willing, I hope you will stand by my side.Together, let's turn the "incredible" into reality.
—Ye Jian
Shaye quietly finished reading the letter. Her fingers glided over the last line: "What kind of arrow will you bring back to this battle?"
She gazed out into the night. The moon quietly illuminated the bow.She softly replied, "It is the arrow that passes through memories."
[Other Character Reactions]
Bai Chuan (Swordsmanship Department): He stared at the leaderboard and noticed that "Fangtang Shaye" was rising in rank. A smirk appeared on his face. "She's back."
Hao Zhanzhi Lie (Combat Department): While doing strength training, he heard the news and grinned. "An old friend has grown stronger again."
Oni Maru Setsuro (Javelin Department) stood by the Longya arena, watching the images in the sky. "The sound of the arrow is different now."