Fantasy Library.

Chapter 511 will definitely be fine.
"Snapped!!!"

The clashes between the wooden swords became increasingly intense over time, causing the sounds of the impact to grow louder and louder.

In a fierce exchange, Aize and Kurama Genjuro's figures crossed paths simultaneously, switching positions. Then, they quickly turned around and unleashed another slash with lightning speed.

The crisp sounds of their clashes continued, and the battle between Aize and Kurama Genjuro intensified, causing them to shift positions repeatedly, sometimes crossing paths, sometimes rotating, sometimes advancing, sometimes retreating, and gradually increasing their speed.

Each of their casual slashes carried a sharp whistling sound, leaving the wooden swords as afterimages.

They simply take a step forward and a step back, yet they can propel their entire bodies at incredible speeds, giving the illusion of constantly charging forward and teleporting.

"ha!!!"

Kurama Genjuro's fighting style is extremely aggressive. Every shout he makes shakes the atmosphere, and this approach generates a powerful aura that makes his attacks increasingly terrifying and awe-inspiring.

In contrast, Aize remained calm throughout, his eyes shining brightly, like a cold warrior, responding to all changes with unwavering composure. He seemed to be overwhelmed by Kurama Genjuro's aura, but in reality, he was not at a disadvantage at all, and his desire to attack was extremely strong.

As they fought, the two completely eliminated all distractions and everything else, focusing wholeheartedly on the battle. As a result, their figures and the sounds of their wooden swords clashing filled the entire arena.

"Wow, that's amazing...!"

Asahi Yoshino was completely stunned.

She wasn't unaware that Aize was strong, but seeing Aize now, with his eyes gleaming and constantly advancing, unleashing a continuous stream of sword shadows like afterglow, she realized that she had underestimated Aize's strength.

She knew that Kurama Genjuro was a master swordsman who had practiced swordsmanship since childhood and was a genuine master swordsman. However, she did not know that this elderly man could still shout loudly, which shook the air, and launch a fierce attack. Even when facing Aize, he was not at a disadvantage.

Compared to these two, the likes of mere evil spirits, which I used to think were quite dangerous, now seem... just so-so to me?
Under these circumstances, the fierce battle between Aize and Kurama Genjuro had become somewhat inhuman, making Asabu Yoshino gradually dizzy and even showing signs of being unable to keep up with the two.

As for Aize and Kurama Genjuro's sword-wielding movements, Asabu Yoshino couldn't see them from the very beginning and couldn't react at all.

All she could see were countless wooden swords clashing, and two figures chasing and colliding in front of her like the wind, which greatly shocked her.

Unfortunately, reality is reality, and it's impossible for them to fight each other for a whole day and night like in movies and novels.

So, as time went on, the two, who were also expending a great deal of energy due to the intense fighting, finally slowed down their offensive.

"Hahaha……"

After what seemed like the umpteenth clash, Aize and Kurama Genjuro, their wooden swords deflected, quickly distanced themselves from each other, holding their swords up while panting for breath.

Among them, Kurama Genjuro was panting more heavily and was also drenched in sweat, his clothes on the back were soaked.

Aize was in a much better condition; although he was also panting, he didn't have any obvious signs of sweating.

Clearly, Aize had the advantage in terms of physical strength this time.

"call……"

After catching his breath, Kurama Genjuro let out a wry smile.

"As expected, I'm getting old."

In the past, Kurama Genjuro would never have shown signs of fatigue so quickly.

"Grandpa is still as amazing as ever."

Aize's breathing had long since calmed down. Looking at Kurama Genjuro, who was chuckling bitterly but whose momentum had not diminished at all, he could only say this.

At the very least, among the old people Aize knew, Kurama Genjuro was already considered a monster.

If it were any other elderly person of the same age, how could they possibly fight him for so long before starting to get tired?

Not to mention, the fight between the two was still incredibly intense.

Whether it's physical strength or physique, Kurama Genjuro doesn't look like an old man at all; on the contrary, he's better than some strong men.

This really doesn't make sense.

"After all, I've always been consistent with exercising, just like you."

As Kurama Genjuro looked at his grandson standing opposite him, he seemed to see the boy who was less than 1.5 meters tall a few years ago.

Overlapping the figure of that boy with that of Aize before him, Kurama Genjuro's eyes began to show a look of relief and emotion.

My grandson has finally grown up.

“I am no match for you now.” Kurama Genjuro said with a mix of emotion and joy: “In the past, you had shortcomings in physique and stamina, but now you have completely made up for those.”

Given this, it's only natural that he would no longer be a match for Aize.

Kurama Genjuro had always known that his exceptionally talented grandson had mastered the swordsmanship he had taught him long ago, and that his swordsmanship might even be better than his own; the only difference was in physical strength and physique.

Now that these conditions have been met, I, who am inferior to my opponent in terms of physical strength and skills, naturally have no reason to win as I did before.

“You’ve grown up and become stronger, Aze.”

Kurama Genjuro looked at Aize with the same eyes one would use to look at a disciple he was proud of.

"You're giving up so easily?" Aize said, still somewhat unsatisfied. "If it were Grandpa, he could probably fight me for another hundred rounds, right?"

“But it’s no longer necessary.” Kurama Genjuro said frankly, “Neither I nor it can hold on until then.”

As he spoke, Kurama Genjuro raised the wooden sword in his hand, causing Asabu Yoshino, who was standing to the side, to cover her mouth in surprise.

This is because the wooden sword in Kurama Genjuro's hand not only had nicks all over the blade, but the body was also covered with cracks.

This knife is already in a broken and tattered state; it's impossible to continue fighting with it.

If it keeps fighting, it can only last a few more rounds before it breaks.

Aize was taken aback to realize this. Looking down, he found that his wooden sword was in no better condition, riddled with nicks and cracks.

"You're too engrossed in it; you don't even realize the state of the sword in your hand." Kurama Genjuro said sternly, just as he had when he was teaching Aize in the past. "Focusing on past opponents and battles isn't a bad thing, but being too focused is not."

"A qualified swordsman, no matter how focused he is on the battle, must still have the capacity to observe his surroundings and things beyond himself."

"You can't just focus on what's in front of you; you have to broaden your perspective and take control of everything around you."

After being told that by Kurama Genjuro, Aize felt a little embarrassed.

There's no way around it, this really shouldn't have happened.

Putting everything else aside, he wasn't even aware of the state of the weapon in his hand, which is really inconsistent with the level of control he has shown with weapons so far.

In the past, no matter what kind of weapon it was, as long as it fell into Azer's hands, Azer could control it perfectly as if it were a life instinct. How could he not even notice that the knife was about to break like this?

This is totally wrong.

"I really want to beat you, Grandpa."

Aize honestly admitted this.

Knowing that Genjuro Kurama was very strong, and because he had never beaten Genjuro Kurama before, Aize was undoubtedly overly excited and invested this time.

Years had passed, and he was no longer the little kid he once was. Eager to prove this to his mentor, who had taught him the meaning of swordsmanship, Aize was so focused on defeating Kurama Genjuro that he couldn't care less about anything else. This led to the scene that unfolded in this way.

"I am not something you have to defeat, but just an obstacle that you will overcome sooner or later."

Kurama Genjuro was well aware of this, and smiled subtly before becoming serious again.

"Don't be misled by your obsessions, and don't be bound by the things you've done so far in your life."

“From the day you pulled out the Muramasa and moved into the Asabu family, your life has been different from before.”

"Don't forget the ones you truly must defeat, and don't forget the ones around you you need to protect."

Kurama Genjuro's words reminded Aize of those filthy lumps in the darkness.

And then... there was that stubborn yet determined figure.

Thinking of this, Aize couldn't help but look to the side.

Just then, the girl who had been watching the battle turned her head to look at Kurama Genjuro because of his words.

Aize and Asagi Yoshino looked at each other, a strange flutter rising in their hearts at the same time.

Immediately, Aize looked away uncomfortably, while a flustered blush appeared on Yoshino's face.

As Kurama Genjuro watched this scene, a maternal smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

(I initially thought An Qing was being too reckless, but now it seems that these two might actually go all the way...)
Kurama Genjuro thought to himself, and then couldn't help but give some more instructions.

“The world you’ve entered is a place we can’t enter, so I can’t offer you any help,” Kurama Genjuro said very seriously. “But I believe you’ll be fine.”

This is not only an unconditional trust in their own grandson, but also an affirmation of Aize's efforts and the strength he has demonstrated so far.

So what if it's a curse?
A dog spirit possessing?

That kind of thing definitely can't hold back my grandson, who's been extraordinary since he was a child.

Genjuro Kurama firmly believed this.

"I know." Aize put away the tattered wooden sword in his hand and said, "Thank you, Grandpa."

Kurama Genjuro nodded, then looked at Asagi Yoshino.

"I entrust my grandson to your care, priestess."

Kurama Genjuro bowed respectfully to Asatake Yoshino.

This greeting was much more serious and solemn than when he first came over to say hello.

“…It is I who am troubling Mr. Aize.” Asagi Yoshino lowered her eyes, then said quite seriously, “But I will do my best to ensure Mr. Aize’s safety.”

"Hmm." Kurama Genjuro looked up, smiled, and said, "That's enough."

The three chatted for a while before parting ways.

Kurama Genjuro left first, carrying two tattered wooden swords.

He had no intention of throwing away the two wooden swords, because they were proof that his grandson had truly mastered the craft and become independent.

From now on, whenever he sees these two knives, he will remember what happened today and the fact that his grandson has finally surpassed him.

This is something to be proud of and something to talk about.

Aize and Asagi Yoshino watched Kurama Genjuro leave until his figure disappeared from sight before they began to talk.

"Mr. Genjuro is a good grandfather."

Chao Wufang was moved to write this.

"Mr. An Qing is also a good father."

Aize smiled knowingly.

This was something he was certain of after learning why Asagi Anharu had been so forceful in insisting on a marriage agreement with Asagi Yoshino.

"...I always felt that I received too much care from them, which made them worry too much."

As if struck by a revelation, Chao Wufang uttered these words.

"Is this what they mean when adults think we're still kids who need to be worried about, no matter how much we've grown?" Aize glanced at Asagi Yoshino and said, "If you don't want them to worry about you, you have to change yourself."

"Something has changed..."

Asahi Yoshino unconsciously began to mutter to herself.

"Let's go." Seeing this, Aize gave her some time to think and said, "It's about time to go back."

If I don't go back soon, I'll probably miss my school start time.

"Ok."

Asahi Yoshino snapped out of her daze, nodded, and responded.

The two began jogging slowly towards the Wu family's residence.

This time, they took a shortcut, so they didn't have to run ten kilometers to reach the finish line.

…………

Ten minutes later, Aize and Asagi Yoshino arrived at the Asagi residence.

Hitachi Mako had already prepared breakfast, and Asagi Yasuharu had also finished his work and arrived home before Aizawa and Asagi Yoshino.

Seeing the two dressed in sporty casual clothes, looking like they had just finished exercising, both Hitachi Mako and Asagi Yasuharu were quite surprised.

Upon learning that Asagi Yoshino would be training with Aize starting today, the two were even more surprised, but then happily agreed.

"This is a good thing."

Chao Wuanqing was the happiest.

He wasn't happy that his daughter wanted to exercise, but rather that she could get along well with Aize.

Seeing the two of them standing side by side, looking so well-matched, Chao Wu Anqing didn't feel any sense of crisis like a little cabbage being taken away by a pig. Instead, she felt like a gratified old father.

"Understood, I will prepare more easily digestible and absorbable dishes in the future."

Hitachi Mako also smiled like an aunt.

If Lady Yoshino can take this opportunity to open her heart, then she won't always have such a heavy expression like before, right?
Looking at Aize standing there calmly, Hitachi Mako silently cheered him on.

(End of this chapter)