Female Swordsman Training Dojo

Looking at the crowded people inside, Qingxin shook his head helplessly: "It seems we need to hurry up and push forward with the car purchase. Although we can't provide everyone with a car or motorcycle, bicycles should be no problem."

In 1912, although famous brands such as Yamaha and Honda did not yet exist, Tokyo Motor Works had already launched two-wheeled motorcycles, although they were not cheap.

Moreover, considering the roads in Tokyo these days, with their intricate alleyways, bicycles are still the most reliable option.

After some deliberation, Harunobu decided to skip the crowded tram during rush hour and head directly to the Azure Sky Business Alliance. Upon arriving at the Azure Sky Business Alliance building, they saw Tachibana Seiko standing at the entrance, dressed in a sharp suit. Her menacing black dragon horns greatly amplified her presence, attracting attention from all around.

However, when Harunobu approached, all eyes turned to him.

"Is that Master Ping?"

"Absolutely! Look, President Tachibana jumped right into someone's arms—hey, hey, he kissed her right there!!"

"As expected of President Tachibana!!"

The Aozora Business Alliance Building, which once resembled a refuge, has now officially opened for business and transformed into a multi-functional department store. At this moment, many customers and staff are coming and going, and then they witness Tachibana Seiko rushing towards it.

Envy, jealousy, and even hatred naturally arise, but they are directed at Tachibana Seiko.

While the female president was certainly attractive, compared to the Dragon Slayer Swordsman, one of the few hundred or so elite samurai in the entire country, she was actually out of her league. Therefore, when Tachibana Seiko offered her a kiss, no one was jealous of Harunobu; instead, quite a few were disgusted by the half-demon's shamelessness.

Although they lowered their voices, they still couldn't escape Qingxin's ears.

He frowned slightly, intending to give those fools a little samurai shock. But Tachibana Seiko held him tightly, biting his lips so hard they almost bled. This was blatant revenge, revenge for her coming home too late last night and missing the good show. And because her "wife and children" hadn't prepared new equipment for her, she couldn't even get Harunobu's milk.

The good thing is that she can still go to the company to continue working... or maybe that's not a good thing?

Thinking about lunch today, Harunobu obediently reached out and started rubbing Tachibana Seiko's dragon horns. Although these dragon horns were hard and sharp, and not at all sensitive areas, Harunobu just really enjoyed playing with them.

After munching for several minutes, Tachibana Seiko finally caught her breath and said, "Don't worry, Teacher, I'll handle them. I'm not like some woman who only has breasts and only knows how to bother Teacher."

Juyouzi glared at her "husband" and gritted her teeth.

So what if I forgot to buy you new gear last night? Is it really necessary to hold a grudge like this? Didn't I already make you use my body to serve the teacher?

—Go back and bring the new underwear you prepared to use!

You dare! Believe me, you won't get a share of the next new product!

The couple, who shared a certain degree of empathy and could even be said to possess each other, glared at each other, while their daughter stood there with a disgusted expression.

What a shallow couple, and they're even my parents! They've become so pathetic.

Qingxin quickly smoothed things over: "Holy Son, have everything I asked for been prepared?"

Seiko Tachibana stopped glaring at his wife and said efficiently, "Everything is ready. They are all the latest models of bicycles, and they are even equipped with a mechanism that allows the seat height to be adjusted automatically."

The Aozora Commercial Alliance Building can actually be simply called the Aozora Department Store. It was proposed by Seiko Tachibana based on Harunobu's suggestion, and since department stores and supermarkets already existed in this era, there was not much resistance.

Although the variety of goods wasn't as complex and complete as in my previous life, it was still quite good for this era. Moreover, thanks to an additional suggestion from Qingxin, Qingkong Department Store, which didn't have an absolute advantage in terms of goods, quickly opened up the market.

The suggestion is to allow customers to enter indoors without removing their shoes. That's right, in this day and age, even when Japanese people want to go shopping or dining in restaurants, they still need to take off their shoes. At the very least, they need to wear shoe covers before entering.

This is why wooden clogs, bare feet, and barefoot wooden clogs are so popular.

This would naturally have a significant impact on customer traffic. If someone wasn't particularly interested in shopping, the thought of the hassle of getting in would deter many from even considering it. Meanwhile, the Aozora Department Store, with its freely accessible merchandise, immediately gained recognition. Coupled with its selection of goods that, while not having an absolute advantage, still possessed a certain competitive edge, it naturally became a hit. After all, at that time, department stores primarily sold various luxury goods and imported items—many of them were even called "Gofuku Shops," simply selling only gofuku, which were items other than kimonos.

(This is true, and historically, customers weren't allowed to wear shoes inside until 1926, the 15th year of the Taisho era... It's astonishing.)

In short, because time was precious, Tachibana Seiko didn't continue to pester Harunobu. Instead, she professionally took Harunobu to look at bicycles and then watched him leave. There was no way around it; although there were many disciples at the Azure Sky Pavilion, she was truly the only one skilled in business.

"No, I have to find a way to get rid of this job as soon as possible, or find someone to help me. Otherwise, it just doesn't feel right to use Naoko's body to accompany the teacher every time!"

As Tachibana Seiko murmured, Harunobu and the others had already ridden out of the street. With their proficient swordsmanship as a foundation, the disciples of Aozorakan quickly grasped the essentials, even though it was their first time riding a bicycle.

Ultimately, it all comes down to maintaining body balance. Compared to the various sword techniques required by the Aozorakan, simply controlling a bicycle is far too easy.

In fact, several of the more lively ones have already started to play tricks.

Thus, a peculiar scene unfolded on the streets of Asakusa: dozens of women dressed identically rode bicycles, following behind a man. Some were diligently holding the handlebars, while others playfully lifted the front wheel, and some even operated the bikes with only one hand and one foot…

Without exception, their gazes remained fixed on the man at the front.

The author says:

Author's Note: Six chapters today! Six chapters! Vote for me now! (Arrogant!)

Chapter 276: Lin You Pavilion (2/6)

"Okay, the fourth one."

Harunobu crossed out the name on the notebook and nodded to the dejected samurai lying on the ground: "Remember to deliver the signboard to Aozora-kan. I won't say it a second time."

The dejected man regained some of his spirits: "I know I still have a reputation to this extent. But if you're so strong, why not—"

"I have no obligation to report to trash like you," Qingxin said coldly, glancing at the man. "Besides, ultimately, my name as a Dragon Slayer Swordsman..."

Chapter 298

"Your head still rings pretty loud, doesn't it?"

"No! That's not what I meant! I meant that since you're such a good teacher, why waste your time on a bunch of women—ugh!!"

The indignant man, facing the gleaming light of Asahi, uttered a sound as utterly pathetic as someone whose toes had been stepped on. Harunobu, meanwhile, glanced at the surrounding crowd and made no attempt to hide his regret: "Be grateful for this society governed by law, or you'd be a corpse by now, you idiot."

“Let’s go, next is…” Qingxin turned to the next page of the notebook he had finished marking, then raised an eyebrow and read out the first name, “Lin Youguan?”

The kitten pushed her small bicycle over: "That one's in Tsuburaya Ward, at the Teachers' College. And their teacher's college representative is actually Hayashi Emon's cousin."

"I knew it looked familiar. Do all the Lin family members have the same taste?" Qingxin complained, then put away his notebook and got on the bicycle that Pingxingzi had pushed over.

"Don't even mention that he's just Lin Youemon's cousin; even if he were Lin Youemon himself, I would still chop him down today!"

The cycling team sped away, while reporters in the crowd frantically pressed their shutters, capturing this unique and stylish scene. Soon, these photos would grace the covers of various newspapers and magazines, becoming another quirky act by Aozorakan, setting a new trend.

On the only way to Lin Youguan, Lin Youmen was stroking the dog's head with a worried look on his face: "Yachiyo, oh Yachiyo, how could I have such a stupid cousin? He can't even manage his apprentice. He runs to people's door and curses them. He's really disgraced them."

"Besides, he's already lost all face, so what's the point of being reserved? Apologizing isn't going to kill him. He was the one who made the mistake, so why insist on going up against that crazy kid? Judging from what that kid is doing, if he gets really crazy, he might actually kill someone."

The Shiba Inu stuck out its tongue and barked twice.

Lin Youemon's face grew even more bitter: "Then why am I still waiting for Taira no Harunobu here? There's nothing I can do. That idiot who's so obsessed with saving face is my cousin. He even saved my life from bandits. I can't just stand by and watch Taira no Harunobu demolish his dojo."

"Woof...woof?"

"Persuade him? No, no, no, you can't change that kid's mind once he's made up his mind." Lin Youemon said with a bitter face, putting the Shiba Inu on the ground. "I can only try with my sword."

"Wang!"

"Nonsense, I'm not excited at all!" Lin Youemon licked his lips, looked at Taira Harunobu who was gradually emerging from the other side of the earth, and his bitter face, which looked like bile, gradually turned into excitement.

"I just simply wanted to have a fight with this kid a long time ago."

Harunobu slammed on the brakes and stopped in front of Hayashi Uemon. He was somewhat surprised, but not overly so: "Are you and your cousin so close? Master Hayashi."

"No, no, no, I was just repaying his life-saving grace. I really don't want to fight you, after all, you're too ruthless. Is this the spirit of youth?"

“Your face doesn’t say that.” Harunobu glanced to both sides; a crowd was gathering. Considering Hayashi Uemon’s past help, and the fact that no idiots had come to his brothel to cause trouble, Harunobu politely asked, “Would you like to go somewhere else?”

"Just don't let those horrible women in your family fight me, that would be too embarrassing." Lin Youemon glanced warily at Hira Yukiko and Hosho Amu, who were holding their swords, and then looked eagerly at Harunobu.

"By the way, can you beat both of them right now? The strength of your mental power is on a completely different level from theirs."

"If you're provoking me, then I admit you've succeeded." Harunobu waved his hand, and Hirako naturally took his bicycle, stepping back with the others. However, she didn't loosen her grip on the hilt of the knife even slightly.

"Let me make this clear beforehand, Lin Yinguan and I have no problem with you. We're just repaying a debt of gratitude." The old man, who was over forty, said cowardly words as he drew his sword.

A thunderclap suddenly boomed across the clear sky, and a chilling pressure descended upon everyone, weighing heavily on their hearts. Almost all the onlookers clutched their hearts, their faces filled with terror. The disciples of the Azure Sky Pavilion, with the exception of a few like Hirako who had ulterior motives or special circumstances, mostly wore expressions of shock, as if struck by lightning.

Fortunately, it was just a fleeting situation, and they quickly returned to normal.

However, Harunobu did not receive such good treatment.

He felt as if a colossus wielding a divine sword was looking down at him from the sky, his eyes filled with hostility. Thunder rumbled in his ears, and a white flash of lightning illuminated his vision. His heart pounded with tension and fear, and the rapid flow of blood made his face flushed, like a boiled crab.

"Then, draw your sword... well, or if you're going to use the sword-drawing technique, then you don't need to." Hayashi Emon assumed a proper mid-level stance and solemnly announced his name: "Tenshin Shinden Kōri Shindō-ryū, Menkō Kaiden! Rin'inkan's First Generation Master! Hayashi Emon—Respectfully Yours!"

boom!

A thunderclap exploded in Qingxin's mind, and the giant god standing in the sky with his sword also hurled down the divine sword formed from lightning, aiming straight at Qingxin. The sword was incredibly huge, even taller than the Azure Sky Department Store, not to mention that it was wrapped in bursts of lightning, making it awe-inspiring.

If you were to be stabbed, there wouldn't even be a need for divine lightning; that massive sword would probably crush you into mincemeat. If you can't win, give up! That's a god!

A jumble of chaotic thoughts, accompanied by strange noises and visions, swirled in Qingxin's mind, so vivid and lifelike, as if they were real. Even the strange whispers seemed to be his own inner thoughts.

But Harunobu remained unmoved.

It's a very simple question—with so many of my wives and disciples in front of me, I would never run away, even if it meant death!

Heartfelt wishes and unwavering protection!

A bright, clear light bloomed in my mind, and the annoying whispers and illusions vanished instantly like dark clouds swept away by a strong wind, revealing the blue sky once more.

A pure sky devoid of terrifying giants.

However, before Harunobu could appreciate it for long, a gleaming katana came into his view.

Without hesitation, he let out a real thunderous roar, gripped the shallow strike with his right hand, and pulled hard, leaving a trail of lightning in the air.

Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Fire Thunder God!

Chapter 277: Futsu-no-Mitama (3/6)

The sword, like a real bolt of lightning, surged from its sheath and hurtled towards Hayashi Uemon's right arm. The deafening roar of thunder caused the onlookers to retreat in horror, leaving only the disciples of the Azure Sky Pavilion standing still, glaring menacingly at Hayashi Uemon who had raised his sword.

All of this happened in an instant, like a flash of lightning. Lin You'emon held his sword horizontally in front of Asauchi, just in time to block the attack.

Faintly, Harunobu once again saw the towering giant god behind Hayashi Uemon, and even saw bluish-white lightning crackling around Hayashi Uemon's hands holding the sword.

The two swords separated as soon as they clashed. Harunobu was quite surprised to encounter a human opponent who could rival him in strength for the first time.

Is this also the power of thought?

As if he knew what Harunobu was thinking, Hayashi Uemon said, "Your strength has increased again, and this isn't the effect of your mind, is it?"

Harunobu remained silent, then changed the subject: "Is your heart set on Takemikazuchi?"

There are countless thunder gods in Japan. Not counting the ten Izanami reincarnated in the underworld, there's also Sugawara no Michizane, a god of learning who also serves as a thunder god. But if we're talking about a thunder god associated with samurai and wielding a sword, the first one that comes to mind is undoubtedly Takemikazuchi.

Chapter 299

However, Rin Uemon shook his head: "No, I am Futsu-no-Mitama, the Thunder Sword that slays gods—Sada, you should rest now."

Before the word "ba" could even leave his lips, Lin Youemon had already strode forward. His wild smile magnified rapidly in Harunobu's eyes, and in the blink of an eye, he was beside Harunobu. His speed was almost as fast as the Fire and Thunder God technique Harunobu had just used, only lacking its explosive power.

Moreover, as he took a step, Harunobu heard the crackling of thunder again and saw once more the bluish-white lightning wrapped around Hayashi Uemon.

This must be an illusion, created by the mind.

Harunobu thought rationally and calmly, eliminating any doubts or concerns about the lightning. He clenched his fists tightly and suddenly flipped them, causing several silvery lightning bolts to appear out of thin air, forming an abstract, giant hoof that stomped heavily on Hayashi Uemon.

Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit!

Faced with Harunobu's aggressive preemptive attack, Hayashi Uemon's laughter grew even more exaggerated. Completely ignoring the impending attack, he forcefully swung his raised katana downwards!

Bluish-white lightning crackled and coiled around his blade, enveloping it completely. From a distance, it looked as if Hayashi Uemon was wielding not a long sword, but a bolt of lightning.

Then, the lightning collided with the "lightning".

Qingxin's eyes widened suddenly, because at the moment of impact, he felt a violent electric current surge into his hands. The sensation was so real, so intense, that it instantly paralyzed his hands! It was as if he had truly been struck by lightning!

If it weren't for the cool sensation generated by the Mind Guardian that quickly dispelled the numbness, Asada would probably have been knocked to the ground by Hayashi Uemon!

Are you kidding me? Isn't that just an illusion?

Before Harunobu could think further, his lower body had already skillfully twisted and rotated. The Asauchi, which had been suppressed, followed the rotation, broke free from the control of Hayashi Uemon's sword, and transformed into a ferocious dragon, wagging its tail and rushing towards Hayashi Uemon, who seemed to have descended like a thunder god.

Flying Sword Style - Ultimate Technique: Heavenly Soaring Dragon Flash!

The enraged dragon lunged at Hayashi Uemon's left arm, while Hayashi Uemon was still recovering from his full-force attack, in the so-called post-attack recovery animation. He had no chance to parry, let alone dodge.

Just as Harunobu was about to hold back to avoid actually killing the man, Hayashi Uemon suddenly glared at Harunobu with wide eyes. The bluish-white lightning that had been coiling around him burst forth, transforming into a lightning spear that flew towards Harunobu's thigh.

The right leg that was supporting Harunobu's turn and slash!

Hallucination? Or real?

The brief moment didn't allow Harunobu time for detailed consideration. He gritted his teeth and adjusted his course, using the Asauchi, which was supposed to sever Hayashi Uemon's left arm, to cut off the Rai-sho.

The familiar numbing sensation weighed heavily on Qingxin's mind, making him even more doubtful. Could thoughts really achieve this level? If they could manipulate lightning, then what about the spellcasters of Onmyoji... Oh, they were indeed defeated by the samurai lord, so never mind.

But something still doesn't feel right.

Harunobu felt that something was off.