Episode Title:
Sword Eater I.
Episode Description:
As Ikki and Stella continue to make progress in the Selection matches, Ikki notices he is being stalked by a female student, who eventually identifies herself as Ayase Ayatsuji, the daughter of Kaito Ayatsuji, a famous swordsman. She had been hoping to ask Ikki to help her improve her swordsmanship, but was unable to approach him directly because of her fear of men (androphobia). He agrees to help her, to the surprise of both Stella and Shizuku. During training, he deduces that Ayase's problem lies in her imitation of her father's style, which is impossible to accomplish. He then proposes that since she is now fully dedicated to imitating her father's style and cannot utilize any other technique, she must adjust her position by understanding her anatomy. With this advice in mind, Ayase is able to land a hit on Ikki with ease. While accompanying Ikki and Ayase home, Stella asks Shizuku if she is jealous of Ayase, and she replies that she isn't, then hopes that Stella will always take care of Ikki and never betray him. One night, while having dinner with Ayase, Ikki and Stella meet Kuraudo Kurashiki, a Blazer who knows Ayase and despises swordsmen. He begins harassing Ayase and then injures an unresisting Ikki when he stands up for her. Afterwards, the trio is approached by Utakata Misogi and Kanata Totokubara, members of the Hagun Academy student council, who commend Ikki for not retaliating against Kuraudo. As they walk back home, Ikki and Ayase are informed that their next Festival opponents will be each other. The following night, Ikki meets up with Ayase on the school rooftop at her request.
