Tokyo Sword Saint Online Dealing

The Shinsengumi's swordsmen team clearly split into two groups.

One team escorted Miyagawa Isamu away, while the other team stood guard behind Ito Daizo.

It seems that the Shinsengumi is already divided into two distinct factions.

Uesugi Kiyoshi beckoned with his finger, and a wakizashi and a katana flew into his hand.

Nagasone Kotetsu's blade was sharp and gleaming with blood, but its appearance was ordinary, even ugly. However, Uesugi Kiyoshi was quite satisfied with it. The Niten Ichi-ryu style was designed to maximize the power of two swords, one long and one short, and he had difficulty finding a suitable wakizashi to use, so the two Onikiri he had been using were only so-so.

Looking back now, this Nagasone Kotetsu is quite handy.

The other sword, Kashuu Kiyomitsu, was rather ordinary. It was said to be Okita Souji's sword back then. Uesugi Kiyomitsu showed little interest, glanced at it a few times, and tossed it aside.

"Here you go, Maki, the spoils."

"Keep it for fun, or I'll teach you dual-wielding next time—with the power and speed of your sword strike just now, I think mastering two swords would be a piece of cake."

Maki Azuma's injuries have mostly healed, with only a small hole in her cherry-colored furisode on her lower abdomen and a ring of bloodstains proving that she had been injured.

She reached out and grabbed the katana, her first thought not being about its appearance or quality.

"This is a gift from you, sir?"

This was her first thought.

Then, an undisguised smile appeared on his lips. He stole a glance at Uesugi Kiyoshi, then looked down at the sword in his hand, his mind wandering, lost in thought.

Uesugi Kiyoshi didn't notice Higashimaki Maki's distraction. He shook his hand and patted his cheeks, as if trying to completely sweep away the fierce aura on his face. Then, he put on a gentle, harmless smile, turned to face Ito Daizo, and bowed slightly.

"Senior Ito, the situation was critical just now, so I didn't have a proper greeting or bow. Please forgive me."

At this moment, Uesugi Kiyoshi was gentle and polite, and refined. He showed no trace of the ferocious and ruthless man who had just killed someone.

Ito Daizo reached out to help Uesugi Kiyoshi up, his face full of smiles, and shook his head repeatedly.

"Not at all, I hope you don't blame me for just standing by and watching—it's not that I was unwilling to help, but Master Kamiizumi has contacted me several times, saying that he has found a rare talent, a gem in the world. At such a young age, he has won my heart in both temperament and swordsmanship, and I want to pass on all my knowledge to him and hand over the responsibility of Shinkage-ryu to him."

"I am also a swordsman. I am very curious and would like to see you make a move and test your strength."

"This has truly broadened my horizons."

"Looking across the entire city of Kyoto, it would be extremely difficult to find a swordsman who could consistently outshine Miyagawa Isamu in swordsmanship. We have been comrades for many years, though we are not on good terms. As rivals, we understand each other even better."

"When it comes to swordsmanship, whether it's a friendly spar or a life-or-death duel, I am no match for him."

"But he didn't last long under you—how should I put it?"

Ito Daizo felt a mix of emotions, and his smile was bitter.

After all, genius is one of the most discouraging factors for "ordinary people".

"I can only say that he truly deserves to be called a disciple of Master Kamiizumi. I am completely convinced."

Uesugi Kiyoshi smiled slightly, not beaming with joy at a few words of praise. He asked softly, "Excuse me, Ito-senpai."

"Master only told me your name, but not your identity—you called me junior brother, so are you also a disciple of the master?"

Daizo Ito quickly waved his hand and shook his head, his face full of regret.

"No, no, no, I can't call myself a disciple of Master Kamiizumi; I'm just a student at best."

There is still a difference between students and disciples.

In schools, teachers teach students. A teacher may teach hundreds or thousands of students in their lifetime.

However, masters don't easily accept disciples. If they do, they will go to great lengths to train them—at least that's how it is in the world of swordsmanship.

In technical terms, it's the difference between "external transmission" and "internal transmission".

Disciples who receive external instruction learn only the basics, while those who receive internal instruction learn the secret techniques.

“I met Mr. Kamiizumi when I was young. He saved my life, and even the Mirror that connects me to Ito Kashitaro was a gift from Mr. Kamiizumi.”

"He instructed me in swordsmanship, taught me how to defend against enemies and slay demons, and also asked a friend to place me in the Shinsengumi so that I would have a place to stay."

"Your kindness is like a second life; I can never repay it in this lifetime."

"I also wanted to become a disciple of Master Shangquan, but unfortunately, I am not talented enough to meet his standards. Fortunately, I am still a nominal disciple and am qualified to call him 'Master'."

"When I saw my junior brother Uesugi today, the first thing I saw was his chivalrous spirit, just like my teacher back then. He has truly surpassed his teacher."

"Don't worry, junior brother. Although I don't have a good background, I've made a name for myself in Kyoto over the years. If you encounter any problems, just tell me."

"I promised the teacher I would take good care of you. We Shin-Kage Ryu always keep our word!"

Some words, regardless of whether they are spoken sincerely, can warm people's hearts.

Ito Daizo smiled gently and spoke with great conviction, which greatly improved Uesugi Kiyoshi's mood.

It feels really good to be taken care of.

Ito Daizo wouldn't lie about something like this. Since his master said he could be trusted, there was probably no problem. Uesugi Kiyoshi nodded in agreement.

"Then I thank you in advance, senior brother. I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

"Well, regarding the Imperial Examination, I would appreciate your help, senior brother. Master sent me to find a senior brother from the Yagyu family, meaning that I should proceed according to the usual procedures. I'm sure Master wouldn't want to see any favoritism or cheating."

"He asked me to obtain the title of Sword Master in the Imperial Trial. Although I don't know exactly how to do it, I don't want to get a mere honorary title."

"However, you'll need to put in a lot of effort regarding the challenge that my senior brother mentioned."

“I have no past grudges or recent feuds with Miyagawa Isamu, but I can’t stand his actions. It just so happens that my senior brother also holds an important position in the Shinsengumi, so why don’t we join forces and let him also sit in the position of commander-in-chief?”

"After all, this position belongs to the capable."

"I think that Master's students should not be cowards like Miyagawa Yu who compromise with reality."

Ito Daizo smiled knowingly and proudly gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist.

"Don't worry about that, junior brother. I wouldn't dare say I'm a good person, but I would never act in the way Miyagawa Isamu does."

“When I was learning from Master Shangquan, he gave me some advice.”

"To punish evil and protect the people is our inescapable duty as swordsmen!"

“I keep these words in mind day and night, and I dare not forget them.”

"Hmph, what if I really become someone like Miyagawa Isamu someday?"

"Then I'll have to ask my junior brother to take my head!"

Chapter 346 Rebirth is impossible, becoming a demon is not difficult

Daizo Ito's gaze was firm, and his words were resolute.

Uesugi Kiyoshi could see his sincerity. This man had a clear mind and a firm belief in his heart. His promise just now did not seem fake.

They are like-minded people, and they are indeed worthy of being students taught by their master.

Kamiizumi Hidekawa was extremely picky when it came to choosing disciples. He had heard from A-Rin that this great swordsman of the Shinkage-ryu school only ever had one inner disciple in his entire life.

Uesugi Kiyoshi was practically the only one of his kind.

He quickly waved his hand and said with a smile, "Senior brother, you flatter me. Of course I believe you."

"The commotion here is too great; there's still a lot of cleanup work to be done."

Before he could finish speaking, Daizo Ito interrupted him.

"I understand. Don't worry, I'm not the head of the Kyoto Police Department for nothing. I'll take care of these things. I arranged for people to set up a cordon before I came, so it won't disturb the public."

"I've also investigated the details of the gangs entrenched here. Hmph, if it weren't for that bastard Songyuan protecting them, I would have wiped out all these scumbags long ago."

"Leave the cleanup to me. Your purpose in coming here should be to apprehend the culprits who attacked the Collectors Association a few days ago. It seems you've succeeded."

"Then I won't bother you while you're working. You should have my contact information. Just call me if you need anything, don't be shy."

Ito Daizo knew the priorities. Uesugi Kiyoshi clearly had more important things to deal with, so he didn't bother with pleasantries at this time. He simply gave a few instructions, his intention to leave already implied.

"Please wait a moment, senior brother--"

Uesugi Kiyoshi called out to Ito Daizo, his eyes flickering slightly. He smiled shyly and then spoke.

"I have a favor to ask, and I hope my senior brother will grant it."

Daizo Ito readily nodded.

"But it doesn't matter."

Uesugi Kiyoshi hesitated for a few seconds, then said in a low voice, "Senior, I might be going to the Phoenix Inu family in a few days to take care of some business, which will probably cause quite a stir. I would like to ask you to help me put in a good word with the police and the Shinsengumi so that no one can interfere with me."

Upon hearing this, Daizo Ito was startled. The handsome old man narrowed his phoenix eyes, hesitated for a moment, and although he nodded, his expression was somewhat solemn.

"That's a minor matter. The police in Kyoto, the headquarters of two large financial groups, can't handle it at all. They won't give the Shinsengumi any face either. You don't need to worry about interference from outside factors."

"However, Japan's top conglomerates generally have the confidence to act arrogantly. Don't be fooled by the fact that the Phoenix In family has only been around for a short time. If they didn't have some extraordinary power to rely on, how could they stand out?"

"I know your swordsmanship is exceptional, Junior Brother, and you have countless other tricks up your sleeve, but there aren't many people from the Collectors Association here, are there?"

“You are alone and vulnerable, and I’m afraid something might happen to you. So, if you’re going that day, call me along. Although I’m not very talented and my strength is not as good as yours, I can still wield a sword and can be a help.”

Ito Daizo was being incredibly humble. He was the second strongest fighter in the Shinsengumi after Miyagawa Isamu, and he inherited the swordsmanship of three schools: Shinto Munen-ryu, Hokushin Itto-ryu, and Shinkage-ryu. How could he possibly be weak?

Uesugi Kiyoshi, however, refused his offer.

"No, it's not that I'm being formal, senior brother. It's some private matter that's not convenient for others to get involved in. I'm confident, so you don't need to worry about me."

Since he had said that, Ito Daizo understood, nodded, and said no more.

"It's good that you understand, junior brother. In that case, I will inform my subordinates to report directly to me about the events in the Phoenix Academy territory these past few days."

With the matter settled, the two exchanged a few casual pleasantries before parting ways, each with their own thoughts.

Uesugi Kiyoshi first walked to the corner of the wall.

Narumi Shingo just said that Kyoko was acting strangely, but he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and didn't notice anything amiss, so he wasn't in a hurry and just dealt with the matter at hand first.

Now that things are almost over here, Uesugi Kiyoshi finally has some free time.

"Maki, go and keep an eye on that monk for me. Don't let him die easily. I still have a use for him."

After explaining the situation, Uesugi Kiyoshi walked over to Narumi Shingo's side.

Kyoko stood up unsteadily, oblivious to the fact that her expensive dress was stained with blood. When she saw Uesugi Kiyoshi walking over, she blinked and flashed a bright smile.

"Uesugi-kun, I did it!"