Female Swordsman Training Dojo

The burly man standing at the front looked at Hirako after she opened the door and smiled disdainfully. Although Hirako was wearing an oversized kendo uniform that completely concealed her impressive figure, her delicate features and beautiful long hair still made it easy to tell her gender at a glance.

"A woman? That must be the novice mentioned in the intelligence report who has only been practicing for half a month. She's a woman, so she's not a threat at all."

The burly man maintained his indignant expression, quickly made his judgment, and preemptively addressed Hirayukiko: "Hey! Woman! You're Hirayuki Harunobu's female disciple, right? Quickly call that coward out here! That shameless guy who tarnishes the honor of samurai doesn't deserve to be the head of the dojo at all. Our Hosho Dojo will correct him!"

"what?"

The completely unexpected situation made Hirako's already bad expression even worse. She looked in the direction of the sound and, unsurprisingly, saw a large group of people, most of whom were acquaintances from the vicinity of the Aozora-kan who were watching the commotion.

At the heart of the crowd—in front of the Aozorakan dojo—was not the staunch opponents of the women's dojo that Hirako had imagined, but a group of men dressed in kendo uniforms like Harunobu, except that their shirts had the word "Hosho" embroidered on the chest.

People from Baosheng Dojo?

Hirako was a little surprised. She knew about the Hosho Dojo, which was one of the dojos in Asakusa Ward. It taught the famous Mugai-ryu style, which was popular during the late Edo period. In terms of reputation, it was far superior to the Tennen Seishin-ryu style. The dojo master, Hosho Ichijo, had never had any bad reputation. So why did they suddenly come here like this?

Is it really because they feel that the teacher training school's female dojo tarnishes the samurai tradition?

But you're not samurai, are you? You're just a bunch of swordsmen training at a dojo!

Moreover, Qingkong Hall's plan to open a women's dojo won't affect Baosheng Dojo's business, since they don't recruit female disciples... In fact, with Qingkong Hall as an "outlier" in comparison, they might attract more male disciples and their business would be even better!

So what exactly is wrong with them?

Hirako's thoughtful actions were seen by the troublemakers as proof that she had been intimidated by their preemptive strike, which made them even more smug.

The one in the lead, who had just spoken up to revise Harunobu, felt even more relieved—as expected, Harunobu wasn't home!

Although he had known Ping Qingxin before and believed that he could completely crush Ping Qingxin in every way, the recent rumors about him still made him a little uneasy. But if his only target was Ping Qingxin, the female disciple he had just taken in, then he had nothing to be afraid of!

As for offending samurai afterward? That's only if Hirahara Harunobu can still be a samurai next year! With his strength, he wouldn't even be able to tickle a yokai! He's probably already risked his life to complete those bounty missions. The reason he's going so crazy is probably to save money for his life after losing his samurai status, so he has nothing to be afraid of!

Across from him, Yukiko Hira had already stormed out the door, her face clearly showing her anger: "You rude wretch! Take back what you just said!"

"Don't even think about it!" The burly man continued his acting with professionalism. "Get Ping Qingxin out here right now, I want to correct him myself!"

Of course, Hirako wouldn't call Harunobu out. Not only was Harunobu not home, but even if he were, she wouldn't listen to such jerk's words and ruin Harunobu's good mood.

As the future teacher trainee of Aozorakan, she could not listen to the demands of others, nor could she allow outsiders to continue to tarnish Aozorakan's reputation and insult Harunobu's name.

As for having a proper conversation and persuading them to leave?

From the very beginning, Hirako abandoned this foolish idea. These guys were clearly there to cause trouble, and only violence could make them understand human language.

So she simply cast a disdainful glare at the burly man: "Trash like you doesn't deserve to see my teachers' college!"

The burly man was truly enraged now, to be looked down upon by a novice, and a woman at that: "What are you saying, woman!"

"If you can't even understand what people are saying, don't try to read magazines like others. You should go back to elementary school and start learning again." Hirako gripped the wooden sword tightly, her breathing subtly changing rhythm.

The burly man, who was already looking for trouble, finally couldn't hold back after being so sarcastic: "Since that's the case, let's start with you, the female disciple of this third-rate dojo! Let everyone see just how stupid and weak these so-called female swordsmen really are!"

Although that's what he said, the burly man didn't plan to go up himself. Firstly, he was quite famous, and defeating this woman wouldn't make it seem like her school of thought was weak. Secondly, he didn't want to end this farce so quickly, since it was agreed that the bigger the commotion, the bigger the reward.

After a moment's thought, the burly man called out a name: "Sato! You come here!"

As the burly man called out the name, a man who appeared slightly thinner but still had clearly defined muscles stepped forward and stood opposite Hirako. He raised his wooden sword about five or six meters away: "No Outer Stream, First Transmission, Sato Daisaku."

Hirayuki took a deep breath and, mimicking his manner, introduced herself: "Natural Harushin-ryu, Beginner, Hirayuki."

……

Meanwhile, at the intersection of Aozorakan Road, Tanaka Yu was sorting through documents while complaining, "I've already said it, there really haven't been any monsters causing trouble in Asakusa lately. If there really were, would I just go find you and deal with it myself?"

There may be quite a few yokai in Tokyo, but few will reveal their whereabouts. So Harunobu has been eager to get rid of the yokai quota lately, but he hasn't been able to. On the contrary, Tanaka Yu is getting annoyed to death... although it's a happy kind of trouble.

"I've said it before, I'll definitely let you know as soon as there's any information about monsters... Um, are you listening?"

"Yes, I'm listening."

Qingxin gave a perfunctory answer; he was actually looking at his system panel.

Just now, the system suddenly sent him two new tasks: [Side Quest: Challenge the Dojo] and [Side Quest: Counterattack].

You don't even need to click to see the details; just from the name Harunobu, you can tell that something went wrong in his happy hometown—and Sachiko is still at home!

Given Hirako's personality, she would never stand by and watch someone destroy the Aozora-kan... No, that's not right. If it's a challenge, then Hirako might already be fighting someone!

Thinking of this, Harunobu immediately stood up and started running under Tanaka Yu's surprised gaze.

By the time Tanaka Yu realized what was happening, Harunobu had already vanished, and all that could be heard was the lingering sound of thunder.

Chapter Twenty-Six: Hirako's First Battle

Aozorakan.

After exchanging greetings before the duel, Daisaku Sato immediately lunged at Yukiko Hira. He didn't feel the need to launch a preemptive attack to suppress the enemy's momentum; he simply felt that the duel was meaningless.

A beginner who's only been learning swordsmanship for a little over ten days, and a woman at that, practicing that third-rate Natural Harushin-ryu style—what's the point of observing an opponent like that? One strike should be enough, what a waste of time!

Sato Daisaku's thoughts were suddenly interrupted. A sharp pain swallowed up the thunderous sound in his ears and all his complicated thoughts. His small eyes widened in anger as he stared at Hirako, who had suddenly appeared in front of him. His lips trembled as if he was trying to say something, but in the end, his eyes rolled back and he collapsed to the ground.

Hirako looked at the fallen enemy without pity, pulled the wooden sword between his legs, and although it was completely untouched, she still performed a blood-spraying motion.

"It seems that the disciples of Baosheng Dojo are nothing special, they can't even beat a woman."

Hirako, who had precisely struck the enemy's vital point with a standard lightning strike, coldly mocked, drawing loud cheers from the onlookers. Compared to the Hosho Dojo, which was far away from them, they preferred the Aozora Dojo. Moreover, they found the underdog-overthrowing drama more exciting than the strong bullying the weak.

The burly man's face gradually darkened: "It was nothing more than a sneak attack using the Iaijutsu. To secretly gather strength before the duel even begins is despicable. Is this the style of the Natural Harushin-ryu?"

"Are you done talking? Who's next?"

Hirako didn't respond, but shifted her gaze to the other disciples of the Hosho Dojo. At the same time, she continued to take deep breaths. Although the Thunder Flash was useful, it consumed too much energy, and the charging time was also a problem.

There probably won't be another chance to use it... But these guys don't seem that strong, do they?

As Hirako recalled the feeling of killing someone, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, without her even realizing it. But to the disciples of Hosho Dojo, this silent smile was full of mockery.

Before the burly man could call her name, a new enemy stood before her, announcing his identity: "No Outflow - Middle School! Suzumoto Hisano!"

Yukiko Taira took two more deep breaths and announced her name: "Natural Harushin-ryu, Beginner! Yukiko Taira!"

After the two finished announcing their names, Suzuki Kuno launched his attack almost impatiently. However, unlike Sato Daisaku, he did not rush forward recklessly. His eyes were locked on Hira Sachiko's hands and feet, and he held his wooden sword in front of him, ready to deal with the enemy's iaido. His strategy was clear: to rely on the fact that men are stronger than women to win the duel!

Hirako roughly sensed this, or perhaps it was intuition, but she vaguely felt that the other party was going to do this, so she slowly raised the wooden sword in her hand above her head, staring intently at Suzuki Kuno, and exhaled the moment he stepped into her attack range.

Snap—Bang!

Suzuki Kuno's thrusting wooden sword was deflected by Hirako Yukiko's simple downward slash, leaving him wide open in surprise. However, as a student of the Communication University of China who had received the catalog certificate, he quickly recovered and tried to regain his footing.

It's a pity it's too late.

Hirako's wooden sword struck him on the head in the first second before he could react.

The explosive power of the breathing technique is enough for a beginner to cut through rocks taller than a person. It's only because Hirako stopped and didn't use a real knife that Suzuki Kuno, who is lying on the ground now, would not just have a concussion, but would have been cut in half vertically.

With a smile, Hirako finished her Zanshin, looked at the disciples of the Hosho Dojo, and said softly, "Next?"

The burly man and the other disciples of Baosheng Martial Arts School turned pale. They never expected that a woman could be so powerful!

Although Suzuki Kuno's strength wasn't the greatest among them, it was certainly not the weakest either. Yet, that woman cleaved him in two with a single strike.

This woman... could she be one of those geniuses with superhuman strength?

No! Even if she is! This woman has only been learning swordsmanship for half a month; her skills are definitely lacking, so…

"Yamashita Gobei, come here."

The burly man's face darkened. If there weren't so many people around, he would have liked to go on stage right away. But he couldn't. Too many people among the onlookers had already recognized him. If he were to fight against a mere beginner, winning would be no different from losing!

Yamashita Gobei, who was called out, squeezed out of the crowd. Compared to the others, he looked very thin and short, probably only about 1.4 meters tall, which was the minimum height for a normal Japanese man in this era.

It seems he felt he couldn't compete in strength, so he decided to take the speed route? To compete in speed with her who has learned the Thunder Sword?

Hirako shook her head and, for the first time, announced her name: "Natural Harushin-ryu - Beginner! Hirako!"

The clear, melodious voice remained unchanged, but after slaying two people, it seemed to acquire a layer of majesty. The restless onlookers instantly fell silent, and even Yamashita Gobei's movements paused slightly. But it was only a momentary pause; he immediately gave his name as well: "Mugai-ryu, Chuden! Yamashita Gobei!"

The powerful shouts gradually faded away, and the two who had been facing off seized the opportunity to stomp on the ground and launch their attack almost the instant the wind broke through the last echo.

The tall and slender Hirako took advantage of her height and swung her wooden sword diagonally at Yamashita Gobei. Although it was just a simple slash, its power was not to be underestimated, thanks to the physical enhancement brought by Thunder Breathing.

But given Suzuki Kuno's fate, Yamashita Gobei naturally wouldn't go to meet him. Instead, he quickly ducked down, placed his wooden sword on his shoulder, and used his small size and stance to rush into the midst of Hirako's sword encirclement. At the same time, he suddenly lifted his wooden sword with both hands, which abruptly stood upright, just enough to deflect Hirako's wooden sword as she was retracting it after her failed attack, creating an opening.

"Aha!"

A short but loud breath suddenly rang out, and Yamashita Gobei's eyes widened in anger as he swiftly slashed at Hirayukiko with his upright wooden sword. Just as he was about to hit her, a booming sound suddenly reached his ears, like the sigh of a god.

Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit!

boom!boom!

He quickly retrieved his wooden sword, blocking two attacks that were in his path, but the other three hit his body squarely. He was already small and thin, and was knocked back two steps. Before he could even drop his wooden sword and admit defeat, the last blow struck between his eyes, and he passed out.

Hirako's smile grew even wider, and before even finishing her remnant, she looked at the remaining Hosho Dojo disciples: "Next?"

As Hirako's voice, which was not sinister but even slightly playful, rang out, the burly man's face darkened completely. He raised his hand to stop another companion who was about to go into battle and slowly drew the wooden sword from his waist.

"No outsider access, only middle school! Arima Ichiro! Reporting for duty!"

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Scouting the Spot and Rescuing People

Although they were both from the Communication University of China, when Ichiro Arima loudly called out her name and cast his murderous gaze at Yukiko Hira, she deeply understood the principle that people cannot be generalized.

That murderous intent, and that oppressive force...

Hirayuki took a deep breath, calming her slightly trembling hands, and her smile deepened: "Natural Harushin-ryu - Beginner! Hirayuki!"

The wind howled, as if the air itself was fleeing from the two who were locked in a fierce confrontation. The surroundings became silent, with only the rumble of the Breath of Thunder vibrating the sleeves.

"Go ahead and charge up if you want." Arima Ichiro said, maintaining his mid-stance and looking down at Yukiko Hira, pointing at the tip of her wooden sword and waving it slightly, drawing a clever circle in the air.

Hirako did not respond, but slowly assumed the standard stance of Thunderclap Flash. Her loose kendo uniform concealed the details of her movements, but the increasingly loud breathing sound was like a warning.

This serves both as a warning to the enemy to respect Narukami and as a warning to Taira Yukiko to cherish her body—the explosive power of breathing techniques never takes care of the body.

But Hirako ignored the warning, just as Arima Ichiro did not turn and run away. In the midst of this attack, she slightly moved her left hand, and a thunderclap resounded in the sky. A white and black shadow merged into the brown and yellow blade and attacked the enemy in front of her.

The already short distance was easily covered. Hirako handed over her wooden sword, while Arima Ichiro moved to the left. The brown-yellow blade grazed past him, who had moved ahead of time, and the wooden sword he slashed horizontally.

No outflow, no intrusion!

Hirako gritted her teeth, her left foot, already bearing a heavy load, suddenly stopped, and her breathing became even more rapid. However, with the burst of Thunder Breathing, her forward-rushing body stopped and turned to Arima Ichiro's current position. Five attacks erupted almost simultaneously, but the attacks, directed at different locations, enveloped Arima Ichiro as he bent over and swung his sword.

Snapped!

A crisp sound of wooden swords clashing rang out, and Arima Ichiro's sturdy body, like a fish, swam out of the Ina Soul's coverage area and came behind Hira Yukiko.

No Outflow - Xuan Ye Sword!

Feeling the biting chill on her back, Hirako squeezed out her last breath from her lungs. Her legs, burdened by the weight, responded to her determination once more. Her body, which should have stopped, accelerated again, even changing direction at high speed.

Thunder Breathing, Third Form: Gathering Mosquitoes into Thunder!

Arima Ichiro, who had already shown a victorious smile, froze for a moment. He then immediately lowered his body, using his wooden sword to block the attack aimed at his head. He then slid behind Arima Ichiro and quickly spun around to meet an attack from another direction.

No outflow of the overturning blade!

Hirako stopped, her strength completely exhausted, while Arima Ichiro swung his wooden sword again.

Helplessly watching the blade grow larger, Hirako stared with resentment in her eyes...

"Teacher's College, I..." Silent words churned in her chest. She felt extremely guilty for not being able to protect the Qingkong Pavilion, which she had regarded as her home, and for the reputation of Qingxin, who was like...

If she hadn't taken a vacation, if she hadn't come out and given these people an excuse...

Within a heart strong yet fragile, whispers of trivialities began to circulate; impurities gradually welled up in her pure eyes, as if trying to shield them from the enemy's狰狞 smile—

Until a loud bang!

Like the roar of Takemikazuchi, everyone turned their gaze toward the source of the sound, only to find it empty. It wasn't until a little girl turned her head unintentionally that they discovered there was someone else in the room.

Harunobu easily parried Arima Ichiro's wooden sword, then ignored Arima Ichiro, who was watching him nervously, and helped Taira Yukiko up.

"Teachers' college..."

"You've worked hard, Sachiko." Harunobu gently patted Sachiko's back, guiding her back into the rhythm of Thunder Breathing. "Go and rest. Leave the rest to me."

“Yes, teacher, but just now…” Hirako briefly recounted her battle with Arima Ichiro, focusing mainly on how her three consecutive ultimate techniques were dismantled and parried.

Haruno listened patiently to her finish speaking, then took the wooden sword from her hand and watched her return to sit down behind the gate.

“Arima Ichiro… I remember you.” Taira Harunobu, turning around, seemed uninterested in conversation. “Raise your sword. You’ve come for me, haven’t you?”