Female Swordsman Training Dojo

However, the tense atmosphere eased in the next moment, and a tall and slender woman took the lead in greeting Harunobu: "Greetings, you must be Director Harunobu that Mrs. Tachibana mentioned?"

"Hello." Harunobu nodded. "I am Hira Harunobu, and you are?"

“I am Akiko Hiratsuka, but everyone calls me Raibird.” The tall, thin woman smiled. “I currently serve as the president of the Seitosha.”

"So you're President Thunderbird, the one who wrote 'Women are the sun.' It's an honor to meet you." Harunobu, who had only learned of this phrase an hour ago, smiled and handed over the souvenirs and sweets she had bought on the way. "I didn't expect it would be President Haruno herself. Please don't mind this small gift."

Akiko Hiratsuka was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected Harunobu Hirahara to be so easy to talk to. When Nako Tachibana contacted her before, she had thought that the somewhat silly woman had been deceived.

But does that mean he's really going to open a women's dojo?

Akiko Hiratsuka, who had originally come only to deal with the samurai who had suddenly barged in, became excited. For a club that was not well-regarded by mainstream society, gaining the support of even one samurai, even a down-on-his-luck one, would be a significant step forward! It would not only greatly boost the confidence of the members and supporters, but also provide a powerful counterattack against the opponents!

Just like now, the customers in the coffee shop showed expressions of surprise and delight, simply because Harunobu was very kind to Hiratsuka Akiko.

Qingxin, of course, did not overlook this situation. He suddenly realized that perhaps he would not have to pay advertising fees anymore... and maybe he could even collect naming rights fees or something.

Just kidding, neither of these magazines has any money at all.

They're even using their headquarters as a side business to open a coffee shop; it would be a miracle if they could afford to pay samurai appearance fees.

"So, regarding the previous advertising campaign..."

Seeing that Akiko Hiratsuka was lost in thought and didn't respond for a long time, Harunobu reminded her, and she smiled apologetically, "Please come upstairs to talk in detail, Chairman Shimada is also here."

The chairman Shimada mentioned here is not a mechanical ninja, nor does he constantly spout simple geometry; he is just an ordinary man. However, this man founded the Clearing Society, and like other organizations such as the Japanese Christian Women's Correction Society, the Tokyo Anti-Prostitution Society, and the Salvation Army, he became a major voice advocating the abolition of prostitution.

"I see."

Harunobu glanced at the guests who had begun to whisper among themselves, then followed Akiko Hiratsuka upstairs to the second floor, where he met Saburo Shimada, an unexpectedly ordinary man, but with a resolute air about him.

"Greetings, Director Ping."

"Greetings, Chairman Shimada."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the conversation naturally moved to the main topic. However, to Harunobu's surprise, yet also as expected, both Shimada Saburo and Hiratsuka Akiko voluntarily gave up the advertising fee and even frankly stated their reasons.

"We've already benefited a lot by choosing to advertise with us, Director Ping. It might even damage your reputation. It would be greedy of us to charge you more."

Compared to Akiko Hiratsuka, Saburo Shimada was much more tactful, praising Harunobu in just a few words. However, since he was genuinely running a women's dojo, he didn't care about saving on advertising costs.

As for the so-called damage to reputation... In the samurai world, being weak is the original sin. As long as he is strong enough, let alone just opening a women's dojo, even if he leads a group of female disciples to kick down the doors of other dojos, they can only cry and curse Harunobu for not having martial ethics. On the contrary, if Harunobu is weak, even if he kowtows to the government, he will still be ruthlessly stripped of his status and become a commoner carrying heavy loads at the docks.

So it's clear what to do.

"Then let's discuss publicity. I heard that you already have a female disciple, Director Ping?"

Faced with Shimada Saburo's question, Harunobu nodded with some confusion: "Indeed, but why bring this up all of a sudden?"

“If possible, we would like to publish her photo for publicity—not those tabloid-style photos, but photos of her as a dashing swordsman.” As expected of a magazine that has been running for a long time, Shimada Saburo quickly grasped the selling point of Seishindokan: “Photos have a more direct impact than words, and they can also more powerfully prove that this is not fabricated or exaggerated news.”

"We'll have to ask her ourselves," Qingxin said, not giving a direct answer. "Before that, let's discuss something else."

"of course."

"Let's decide on a title first... How about 'Born to be the First Female Dojo in History'?"

"Isn't this too exciting...?"

……

While Harunobu was discussing the promotional plan with Shimada Saburo and Hiratsuka Akiko, a group of people were also discussing the dojo in a restaurant a few shops in front of this cafe.

"Naito, why did you call us all here?"

In a private room of an izakaya, several burly men sat around a table, all with a hint of drunkenness on their faces. After one of them asked a question rather recklessly, the others chimed in.

"Yeah, yeah, did they get into some trouble again and need our help?"

"Even if the teacher's college favors you the most, it will still get angry."

……

Sitting in the main seat, Naito Ichiyo patiently waited for his drunken fellow disciples to finish venting before clearing his throat: "I've already found out about that guy from last night. He's just a third-rate dojo that runs a run-down dojo in Asakusa Ward. He's only taken on one disciple in all these years, and he only ever meets the minimum requirements. How dare this guy refuse our training and look down on us? Don't you feel ashamed?"

Clearly, these guys were the disciples of Hayashi Uemon, who had tried to take Harunobu as his apprentice last night—the same kind of nobody that Harunobu had so elegantly ignored.

And this Naito Ichiyo is the unlucky guy who fell into the water.

Therefore, he was the most unhappy with Harunobu.

Meanwhile, the other disciples of the Lin Yin Hall, who were already drunk, echoed their discontent. Naito Ichiyo smiled and waited for a while until they were increasingly dissatisfied due to the atmosphere, then spoke again: "So, I think we should teach that guy who guards the third-rate dojo a lesson."

Upon hearing this, some people sobered up a bit. Although their strength was average, they were perceptive enough to know that even if all the people present joined forces, they probably couldn't defeat Hiraharu Nobu.

"No, attacking a samurai without permission is a serious crime, and the instructor will definitely not help us with this."

"So we shouldn't go. There's more than just that guy's gym in Asakusa. We should be able to borrow his name a little, right?"

"Um……"

"Seems okay?"

"Speaking of which, isn't there a dojo in Asakusa that doesn't have any outsiders?"

"Ah, I know, that's Baosheng's family!"

Amidst the chatter, the Lin Yin Guan disciples, perfectly intoxicated, made a decision under Naito Ichiyo's guidance: anyway, even if something happened, they wouldn't be held responsible.

Chapter Twenty-Four: A Different Taira Sachiko

More than an hour later, Harunobu finally finalized a series of promotional plans, including copywriting and style. The only thing left was to confirm whether Hirako was willing to participate, and this was naturally Harunobu's responsibility to confirm. However, both Hiratsuka Akira and Shimada Saburo were very keen on it and were even willing to pay Hirako's appearance fee.

Fifteen yen for three photos—that's not cheap even among professional gravure idols, especially since it's not the sexy kind, but photos of them wearing tight-fitting kendo uniforms.

But compared to the opportunity to significantly enhance the magazine's reputation, this is a worthwhile expense.

As for Harunobu, it didn't matter since Hirayukiko appeared as a female swordsman. The extra-large kendo uniform he had ordered had arrived, which would cover Hirayukiko completely.

So now Harunobu is on his way to the textile factory where Taira Sachiko works. This is for the good of the dojo, and definitely not because... well, he just wants to see what Taira Sachiko looks like when she goes to work.

As for whether the textile factory would allow visits... Harunobu thought that someone who could run a fairly large textile factory couldn't be too stupid.

This proved to be true. After confirming Qingxin's identity, he was not only allowed to enter the factory area, but was even personally escorted by the factory manager to the VIP room for receiving major clients. The manager showered Qingxin with praise, making Qingxin feel somewhat uncomfortable.

The main reason is that after seeing the high-level praise from Saburo Shimada, this kind of low-level praise that only says "So amazing" and "As expected" just feels awkward.

However, the more Qingxin remained silent, the more the factory manager boasted. In the end, Qingxin could only interrupt him rather rudely: "Excuse me, could you take me to find my disciple first?"

"Huh? You mean?" The factory manager looked bewildered.

“Hirakasako… but you probably don’t know her.” Harunobu didn’t think this factory manager would know every textile worker. “Take me to the production line, I’ll find out myself.”

"Ah...yes!" The factory manager hesitated instinctively. Although downstream processing plants like theirs didn't have any production secrets, not just anyone could enter the production workshop. But he quickly realized that he was facing a dojo master, not one of those Yakuza.

Accompanied by the factory manager, Qingxin entered the production workshop of this "Safe Textile Factory." In this era, workshops could not be expected to have 5S, fire safety, or environmental protection. Various textile machines were densely packed in the empty factory building. Textile female workers, with headscarves and veils covering their faces, quickly operated the machines, turning raw materials into products, which were then transferred to other production rooms by designated personnel. Supervisors carrying sticks patrolled the narrow aisles, watching everyone's movements.

Harunobu had talked about Hirasakiko's work during their conversation and knew roughly which part she was responsible for. So he quickly found Hirasakiko, who was also wearing a headscarf, face mask and gloves, with only her eyes showing, amidst the flying cotton wool. Harunobu was too familiar with her back, even though she was wearing an oversized work uniform that completely covered her curves.

However, he had a sudden thought, but he didn't immediately go up to chat. Instead, he continued to watch, thinking that maybe some minor villain would jump out and make him show off and slap people in the face, thus increasing his favorability rating... Besides, it's quite rare to see someone as professional as Hirako these days.

Although she was quite focused when practicing swordsmanship, it wasn't professional. She always paid attention to Harunobu's attitude while practicing, letting him point and gesticulate as he pleased, putting her in a vulnerable position.

But at this moment, Hirako had no sense of reading between the lines. Her energy was completely focused on her work. She didn't think she would make a mistake at all. Her eyes shone with confidence, and her whole demeanor became strong. She even influenced the others around her, who couldn't help but follow her rhythm.

But this assertiveness isn't harsh; rather, it's a sense of inclusiveness, like the "big sister" aura that Harunobu felt when he first met her, making people want to trust and rely on her.

hiss……

Qingxin gasped and began to reflect. So how did he raise his older sister into that soft, timid girl?

Oh, she's my disciple. Then it's alright.

In the brief moment that Harunobu was lost in thought, a supervisor walked seemingly unintentionally to Hirako's workstation, revealing a fawning smile: "Um, Ms. Hirako, we're having a social gathering tonight, would you like to come?"

Harunobu, who wasn't far away, also heard the loud conversation. He immediately narrowed his eyes and was about to go over when he heard Hirako's voice: "I have no interest, no time, and this is the third time already. Please have some self-respect, Mr. Tanaka."

The rapid-fire, sharp words made the foreman's face turn bright red, and he even clenched his fists. But under Hirako's indifference and Harunobu's expectation, he finally obediently pushed the cart away.

The factory manager of Anxin Textile Factory rubbed his forehead, which had a dangerously receding hairline. He wasn't blind, so of course he could tell where Qingxin's gaze was lingering. When that supervisor's face turned red and his fists clenched, his heart was in his throat! Luckily, that bastard didn't say anything nonsense!

Harunobu touched his chin with some surprise. So this is the kind of person Hirako is?

The older sister is so cool, the younger brother is so adorable... Hmm, never mind, that's a bit too overpowered.

Harunobu walked forward and, amidst the workers' strange looks, came to Hirako's side. Hirako, who was focused on her work, heard the footsteps and looked up impatiently: "Tada... Teacher's College?!"

The sudden rise in pitch drew the attention of the surrounding workers, but most of them shrank back when they saw the factory manager, only daring to peek secretly. Only a few people next to Hirako could look at him more openly.

Although they couldn't see directly, they all pricked up their ears and listened to the sounds coming from this side.

Then something that shattered their worldview happened: a soft voice came from the mouth of Hirako, who always appeared before them with a calm and assertive demeanor:

"Shi Fan, what brings you here all of a sudden? Is something important?"

Okay, Harunobu admits, he's feeling incredibly good right now, his lips are curving into a crazy, uncontrollable grin.

"It is indeed important. Regarding the publicity matter I mentioned to you yesterday, the other party requested that the teacher take three promotional photos, in the form of a female swordsman, for a fee of fifteen yen."

Harunobu didn't lower his voice, so everyone else heard it too, but they didn't understand. To them, samurai were too far removed from their lives, and practicing swordsmanship, which required both money and time, was also a topic they wouldn't pay attention to.

So even though they heard every word clearly, they couldn't immediately grasp its meaning—except for the factory manager next to him, whose face quickly flashed with surprise, doubt, thoughtfulness, and sudden realization.

Then, when Qingxin looked over, she very proactively said, "Since you have something important to do, I'll give you a special day off today."

He had intended to call out Hirako's name, but quickly stopped himself. In Japan, calling someone by their first name is a sign of closeness, and generally, it is an honor for a worker to be addressed that way by the factory manager. But looking at Harunobu, the factory manager dared not act rashly.

Hirako glanced at Harunobu and suddenly took a slight breath: "Then, factory manager, we probably won't be able to meet today's order volume, is that alright?"

Harunobu was somewhat surprised, not by Hirako's words, but by the fact that she actually had this kind of awareness.

Harunobu, who has memories of being a corporate slave in his previous life, knows very well that the factory's production quota will not be changed just because someone takes leave. If Hirako leaves like this, her workload will be directly placed on the rest of the people, or rather, on the little sister in her group who is right next to her.

Of course, Hirako didn't want this to happen, and the teachers' college was right here... It didn't matter if she was accused of using someone else's power, since it was the truth anyway.

Just as she expected, the factory manager didn't even look at Qingxin's letter before giving a positive reply: "No problem! Since there are fewer people, the workload should be reduced, haha."

Of course, Harunobu wouldn't undermine his top disciple at this time, but he really made the right choice coming today. He never expected Sachiko to have this side to her; he'd hit the jackpot.

As for the factory manager... not to mention that it only reduces the production of one person, Harunobu has no sympathy or goodwill towards capitalists who would arrange for supervisors with wooden sticks, even if this is the norm in this era.

In short, let's get down to business first.

"Let's go, Sachiko."

"Yes, teachers' college."

It wasn't until Harunobu and Hirako left the workshop with the factory manager's respect that the other workers realized what had happened. A cacophony of noise filled the workshop, filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment—men and women alike were all envious of Hirako.

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Challenger Arrives

A few days later, in the morning, Hirako was fortunate enough to receive a weekly day off that she had only ever seen in job postings, and it was the full version without any deduction in salary. So she slept in late and didn't get up until after eight o'clock to do her morning exercise.

She had just finished her morning exercise and was about to wash up and get rid of the sweat on her body when she heard a commotion coming from the entrance of the dojo. Listening closely, she could hear shouting and cursing.

Just in case, she picked up a wooden sword and walked towards the gate of the dojo, wearing wooden clogs. As she got closer, the noisy sounds gradually became clearer, and it was obvious that a group of people were deliberately shouting and cursing.

The content is roughly as follows:

"Come out! You bastard who has insulted the honor of samurai!"

"You third-rate samurai with such mediocre swordsmanship! You actually recruit female disciples! You have no shame!"

"After all, I've never heard of any 'naturally clear heart flow,' so it can only fool women!"

"I heard they've only had one disciple in decades; they must be thieves of the country's tax revenue!"

Hearing these disgusting remarks, Hirako's expression gradually turned cold. She never expected that those "critics" who previously only dared to spout nonsense in newspapers and magazines would suddenly be so brave as to actually come to the Aozorakan.

Since Qingxin... after the Normal School published the advertisement for Qingkong Hall to recruit female disciples in "Kuoqing" and "Qingtu", in the past few days, various newspapers have published many reports criticizing him for going against tradition and violating justice. The hall has also frequently received many letters from "readers", the contents of which fully demonstrate what it means to have a constellation of stars shining brightly.

Although Harunobu himself didn't care much, after all, those words, besides showing that these people's IQ was not even moronic, were not even half as aggressive as those of internet trolls, but Hirako couldn't stand Harunobu being slandered, especially since he was slandered for helping her.

Previously, those guys only dared to express their opinions through letters and newspapers, and it was impossible to find them in person. Otherwise, Hirako would have given them a good beating—now is a good opportunity.

However, the wording of those messages outside was much less intense than that of the "letters from readers." Is it because people dared not be so radical when they actually appeared?

It's a pity that Shi Fan went out to find monsters; she might even be amused by this change... But she doesn't have that kind of good attitude.

While pondering, Hirako opened the door.

The old door of the Aozorakan made a rough sound. Hirako made a note to oil it later. As she appeared, the group of people who were shouting and cursing at the entrance of the Aozorakan all shut up and turned to look at her.