I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

"The reason I've been practicing martial arts so diligently lately... is not for any particular reason. It's just that I feel my physical condition has been quite good recently, so I want to take advantage of this good momentum to practice my martial arts more."

"..." Chiba Sadakichi gave Sanako a deep look, then took a deep breath and said, "Alright. In any case, it's a good thing that you're diligently practicing martial arts and in a good mood."

"Keep it up."

"But be careful to balance work and rest, and don't injure your body."

Sanako: "Yes!"

……

……

After leaving Chiba Sadakichi's room, Sanako did not leave immediately.

"Aha……"

She let out a long breath and used her back to reach for the corridor wall beside her.

She just lied.

She recently... did indeed encounter something wonderful that made her feel great.

……

(Miss Sanako, you don't need to underestimate yourself. If you strive forward with courage and determination, nothing and no one in this world can stop you from shining. With your abilities, Miss Sanako, one day you will also achieve something in martial arts that will impress and impress everyone.)

……

Aoto's voice echoed in Sanako's ears...

This is what Aoto said to Sanako a while ago when he was resting in the inner courtyard, wiping his sweat after defeating all the heroes of the Chiba Sword Hall.

After those words, which still seemed to echo in her ears even though so much time had passed, faded away, a faint smile appeared on Sanako's cheeks.

Qing Deng probably didn't expect... that his words back then would give Sanako such great encouragement.

Yes, I certainly don't have the talent of Tachibana-kun... but as long as I persevere and work hard, I can also achieve outstanding results in martial arts that are second to none!

Sanako took a deep breath.

His heart was filled with lofty ambitions.

She wished a pair of wings would immediately grow on her back so she could quickly fly back to the dojo and continue practicing martial arts diligently.

However, at that very moment, Sanako suddenly felt her brain uncontrollably recalling past events.

After recalling what Qingdeng said that day, I couldn't help but think back to the scene I had inadvertently witnessed that day...

The half-naked Qingdeng... has almost no excess fat, only a strong, muscular upper body...

"..."

Sanako pursed her lips, closed her eyes tightly, bent her right index and middle fingers, and repeatedly tapped her forehead with the second joint of her two fingers like striking a wooden fish.

"What's so memorable about this scene...?"

On one hand, he muttered to himself in a reproachful and irritating tone, and on the other hand, he forced himself with strong willpower not to recall such "obscene" images.

Once she had calmed down a bit, Sanako shook her head vigorously a few times, then, clutching her wooden naginata, quickly returned to the dojo without lingering any longer.

Back at Field A, as she got into position in the center of the field, ready to start training again, Sanako suddenly heard familiar, heavy footsteps coming from the doorway.

Following the sound, I saw my elder brother's figure.

"Brother, you're back."

The "secret meeting" between Chiba Jutaro and Chiba Tamon Shiro tonight has just concluded successfully.

In conclusion, the two brothers' meeting tonight yielded some meaningful results, and was not merely a waste of time and money on drinks.

On the suggestion that "when the fireworks are set off tomorrow night, the two of them should find excuses to leave, giving Aoto and Sanako enough space to be alone," the two reached a consensus.

Chiba Jutaro, having finished his fun, stood at the entrance of the dojo and cast a surprised glance at Sanako inside.

"Huh? Sanako. It's so late, are you still practicing martial arts?"

"Yes. I feel great today, so I'd like to stay at the dojo a little longer."

"I see..." Chiba Jutaro laughed. "Diligent martial arts training is a good thing, but you should also pay attention to resting more."

“Brother,” Sanako said helplessly, “I’m not the kind of layman who doesn’t even understand the principle of ‘work-life balance’.”

"Haha, you know what you're doing. Alright, I won't bother you anymore, you can practice in peace!"

After leaving those words, Chiba Jutaro turned around and strode away.

He climbed the stairs leading to the second floor with a "clattering" sound, and was about to return to his room when—

"Jutaro."

The voice of her father, Chiba Sadakichi, came from beside her.

"Hmm? Father?" Chiba Jutaro turned around to face Chiba Sadakichi, who had suddenly appeared beside him, standing expressionlessly with his hands behind his back. "What's wrong? Is there something you need?"

"Jutaro, you... come with me for a moment."

"Huh? Uh...where to?"

"Come to my room, I have a question to ask you."

"The problem? Hmm... I understand..."

Despite not understanding why, Chiba Jutaro obediently followed orders.

He and Chiba Sadakichi walked one after the other through several corridors to the old man's bedroom.

With his legs crossed and his bottom barely settled on the tatami mat, Chiba Jutaro preemptively asked:

"Father, is there a question you want to ask me?"

“It’s not a serious matter,” Chiba Sadakichi said casually. “Sanako has been in a very good mood lately, and she’s been practicing martial arts extra diligently. So I wanted to ask you if you know anything about Sanako’s change of heart.”

"Hmm? Well... I'm not quite sure either..."

"You don't know either..."

"But speaking of which, Sanako has been really diligent lately! I just saw her practicing her naginata in Field A!"

After saying this, Chiba Jutaro let out a sigh filled with deep emotion.

"I don't know why Sanako is suddenly so diligent... but it's a good thing! Sanako has been stuck at a bottleneck lately, and if she works hard now, she might be able to break through it all in one go and reach a new level!"

"..."

"I just hope Sanako can maintain her current level of performance. She's never lacked talent! If she can keep up this momentum and work even harder, it shouldn't be long before she reaches new heights!"

"..."

Chiba Jutaro, getting more and more excited as he spoke, straightened his back ramrod straight.

"Given time, Sanako might become a princess warrior whose name will be remembered in history!"

"..."

Compared to the excited Chiba Jutaro, Chiba Sadakichi had been displaying a completely different expression since the beginning.

He remained silent, his expression solemn...

……

……

Little Chiba Sword Hall, Arena A—

—No... I still feel like my movements aren't going smoothly...

Sanako frowned slightly, staring thoughtfully at the naginata in her hand.

—I clearly followed my father's instructions...so what part is still not done well...?

—Go ask your father again…

Sanako, having decided to consult her father again, once more carried her naginata and hurried toward Chiba Sadakichi's bedroom.

As soon as she arrived at the room door, she was surprised to hear Chiba Jutaro's voice coming from inside.

—Hmm? Brother?

Sanako stood outside the room, blinking in confusion at the closed door.

Why was the elder brother in the father's room?

Although she didn't know why Chiba Jutaro was in her father's room, Sanako decided to wait a while before visiting, out of politeness.

However, at this moment—

“Father, what do you mean by saying ‘Zanako is no good’?”

Chiba Jutaro's exclamation pierced through the door and clearly reached Sanako's ears.

Suddenly hearing her own name... caused Sanako's delicate body to stiffen.

She instinctively stopped and listened intently, and then she heard a whisper that sounded like a thousand thunderbolts crashing in her ears.

"It means exactly what it says. Sanako is no good. She can never become a princess warrior who can leave her mark on history through martial arts. Her achievements... can only go so far."

*******

*******

Miss Sanako has finally come out to collect her appearance fee! To celebrate Sanako's appearance, please vote for this book with some monthly tickets! (Like a leopard crying.jpg)

Please vote with monthly tickets! Please vote with recommendation tickets!

The statement in this chapter that "free love was not uncommon in the Edo period" is not just something the author made up. Edo even had special "dating spots" for young couples to meet in secret. The author will elaborate on the dating culture of the Edo period later when there's more time.

Chapter 232 Aoto vs. Sanako! A fierce battle by the river! [8500]

Under Chiba Jutaro's astonished gaze, Chiba Sadakichi said quietly:

"Jutaro, the difference in physical ability between men and women is too great."

"..."

With just one sentence, Chiba Sadakichi left Chiba Jutaro speechless.