Female Swordsman Training Dojo

It was only for a moment; a loss is a loss. Besides, it can't be called bad luck; it's just that she was careless and shouldn't have been so hasty.

Tachibana Nako reluctantly stepped back and stood in front of Harunobu, who had arrived on the stage at the same time as Kinko: "Master, I lost."

"Then prepare to accept your punishment." Harunobu pinched Tachibana Nako's nose, as if teasing a child. Tachibana Nako didn't find it childish at all; instead, she pouted, as if she was genuinely dissatisfied, and gently punched Harunobu's chest.

The referee glanced at Harunobu, who had just jumped down from the second-floor VIP box as if he were about to kill Inoue Ichimura, and cautiously raised his left hand: "Uh, the winner—"

Harunobu, holding Tachibana Nako's hand, turned and walked off the stage. But in that instant, a swift whooshing sound came from behind them.

Inosuke Ichimura silently swung his sword forward, slashing at Tachibana Nako, who had her back to him and was focused on Harunobu. With the full power of the demon sword, his speed was significantly increased, and in the blink of an eye, he had covered the brief distance between them.

The tip of the spider cutter's blade almost touched Nako Tachibana's kendo uniform.

A clear golden light flashed quickly, but it seemed too late. The time required for a spell to dissipate and then re-form is slower than for it to form directly. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but now, it seemed to determine a life.

No one expected this to happen so suddenly. It's always the loser who, in their impotent rage, attacks the winner. Why is the winner attacking the loser today? There's absolutely no benefit to this. Or is there some deep-seated grudge between Inoue Ichimura and Tachibana Nako?

The audience didn't even have time to think; their gasps were still stuck in their throats. And those who did react, like Genjiro, were already too late to stop it.

It was too fast, too sudden.

Is there really no other way...?

A sharp blade of light suddenly appeared in front of Spider Cutter, striking the eerie blade enveloped in purple light with a shallow yet powerful blow. The immense force erupting from it was far beyond what Inoue Ichimura could withstand, and Spider Cutter was sent flying from his grasp.

The gasps of surprise finally escaped the throats of the crowd, but the object of their gasps had changed.

Immediately afterwards, Inoue Ichimura himself was also kicked, and like a child hit by a carriage, he was sent flying several meters back to where he had been standing.

But now, he is kneeling.

The author says:

Author's Note: That's 9k words in total! Happy birthday to me~ I'm another year older, and another year of being a flop, boohoo. Please vote!

Chapter 310: Shallow Strange Movements

The rapid changes on the stage attracted the attention of everyone in the arena, with eyes focused on Harunobu, who was protecting Tachibana Nako behind him, and Genkuro, who was standing in front of the fallen Ino Ichimura.

Genkuro arrived much later than Harunobu. By the time he reached the arena, Inoo Ichimura was already sprawled on the ground, blood seeping from his mouth and nose. Harunobu had deliberately held back his kick to avoid killing him, so as not to be blocked by defensive magic.

Otherwise, he should be dead by now, instead of still clinging to life like this.

But Qingxin was still angry.

He looked at Genkuro, making no attempt to hide his anger: "Genkuro, if you want to fight me so badly, you don't have to wait until later, let's do it now."

Upon hearing Harunobu's words, Genkuro shifted his gaze from the weakly breathing Inoo Ichimura lying on the ground to Harunobu. An overwhelming rage was evident on the young man's face; his handsome features were slightly distorted, making him appear like a demon.

Genkuro gripped his sword hilt tightly, causing a stir among the crowd. These were two samurai of hatamoto rank; were they really going to fight right here?

The spellcaster in charge of the defenses began to sweat profusely, intently picking up his magical artifact, ready to stop them. A fight between these two here was no joke, especially since one of them was clearly out of control. If things went wrong, the casualties might be even greater than yesterday's air raid.

Harunobu took a deep breath, and the asahi sword he was holding in one hand spun half a circle in the air, coming to rest precisely at the center of his body, the tip of the sword aimed at Genkuro's face.

Amidst the booming thunder, Genkuro silently stared at Harunobu. Then, he released his grip on the hilt of his sword and bowed deeply to Harunobu: "I am deeply sorry, Master Harunobu. I will certainly give you a satisfactory answer. Please allow me to take this unfilial disciple to receive treatment first."

Harunobu narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze shifting to Tachibana Nako beside him. Just now, in order not to disturb Harunobu's duel with Genkuro, Tachibana Nako had walked to the side herself.

She wasn't injured; her two attacks were blocked by defensive spells and Qingxin, respectively. However, Qingxin remembered that the second attack did indeed touch her clothing, tearing a small hole. It was only about one centimeter wide, and there was an inner lining to cover it.

Not to mention that Tachibana Nako was also carrying magical artifacts. Even if Harunobu didn't make a move, those artifacts could have blocked the sneak attack. At the very least, it wouldn't have been fatal, and it probably wouldn't have even resulted in serious injury.

However, Haruno still felt a little strange. After thinking for a moment, he sheathed his sword: "I hope there won't be a next time, Genkuro. Otherwise, I can't guarantee I'll still be as rational as I am now."

As soon as the words were spoken, a glint of light flashed from the sheath of the sword. Qingxin's head twitched slightly.

Chapter 335

He moved, but didn't show it; he simply maintained his oppressive gaze, staring at Genjiro.

Genkuro nodded sullenly, watching Harunobu, supporting Tachibana Nako's back, turn and walk off the stage. At this moment, the waiting medical personnel rushed onto the stage and began to provide first aid to Inoo Ichimura.

Meanwhile, Genkuro strolled over to the demon sword that had been knocked away by Harunobu.

A faint purple light swirled around the silver blade, and the spider-skin hilt coils wrapped around it seemed to be breathing, wriggling slightly and emitting an invisible black mist.

Genkuro picked it up.

Offstage, Harunobu and Tachibana Nako had already returned to their private box. Hira Sachiko was the first to greet them: "Master, are we making our move tonight?"

Qingxin was taken aback by her question, then patted her head: "Don't be silly, it hasn't come to that yet."

After all, he was a samurai, so it was impossible to kill him quietly—the Wind-Riding Sword Technique was too noisy—and a duel and murder were two different things, and the latter could not be easily concealed if it were exposed.

Of course, the main reason is that the matter hasn't escalated to the point where such action is necessary. Surprisingly, Genkuro wasn't as obsessed as some might think; in fact, he was quite reasonable, so there was no need to strike first.

"Fine," Hirako said calmly, while the others expressed their disappointment. They wondered where they had learned to resort to violence to solve problems.

The unnamed instigator thought to himself, patting Naoko's butt: "Go change your clothes, or I'll get jealous."

Naoko Tachibana twisted her waist slightly, and a smile returned to her dejected face: "Yes, yes, Teacher, you really are..."

Muttering a low "complaint," Tachibana Nako rummaged through the private room and pulled out a needle and thread, beginning to mend. There was no other way; clothes that fit her size wouldn't be easy to find anytime soon, so she'd have to do it herself.

Harunobu sat back down and placed Asada across his lap.

He was certain he had sensed Asauchi's unusual movement just now, a feeling like something long buried had been unveiled, or something fractured had been mended. His intuition told him that it was the trigger for Asauchi's Shikai, and also the trigger for the strengthening of his own will.

—Speaking of which, shouldn't he go and ask Hayashi Uemon about purifying his mind?

I'll go see him when I have some free time later; the Lin Yin Pavilion isn't far away anyway.

Harunobu shook his head, shaking off his sudden thoughts, and drew the Asauchi from its sheath. The silver blade was as usual, looking ordinary and nothing special. But Harunobu could feel that something was different, as if what he held in his hand was no longer a sword, but a part of himself.

That's a bit of an exaggeration; it hasn't reached that level of perfect harmony between man and knife. It's just that compared to other knives, it feels more natural and comfortable to hold. Well, for now, it's probably just that the feel is better.

However, change is a good thing. Moreover, Harunobu had a general idea of ​​the reason for this change—the only thing he had done just now was to "protect" Tachibana Nako.

His mindset is also about protection, so the way to unlock Asauchi's Shikai is to continuously "protect"? Speaking of which, the characters in the original work need to increase their spiritual pressure and spiritual power to promote the release of their Zanpakuto, and both of these ultimately come down to "the power of the soul and spirit".

Isn't it similar to thoughts and intentions?

Therefore, what truly liberates Asauchi and allows it to achieve its Shikai is not through protection, but by increasing the intensity of one's mental power—tsk, would giving Asauchi to Hojo Amu directly result in its Shikai, or even Bankai? —that probably won't happen.

But there's no second one available now, and it's not fair to go to the shrine maiden for it back. It's better to wait until I get a new one; after all, it's only an N-level item, the drop rate shouldn't be low.

While Harunobu was deep in thought, the others lowered their voices to avoid disturbing him. At the same time, they were also quietly exchanging ideas, discussing how to deal with the bunch of useless people at the Origin Hall.

Don't get me wrong, since the teachers said they wouldn't kill them, they won't do anything reckless. They're just discussing how to crush them as much as possible if they encounter them in the competition.

On this topic, the kitten became an expert.

Chapter 311: Revenge

"The swordsmanship of Genryukan is generally divided into two styles. One style is more defensive and counter-attacking, and this style usually starts with a low stance. Like the one you defeated before, Maya, he always holds back some strength before striking to defend, so his movements are usually smaller..."

The kitten demonstrated various sword techniques with her paws, her movements precise and standard, to the point that even Genkuro would wonder if he had ever taken on a female disciple.

But that's impossible, of course. It's actually the combined effect of the kitten's "Eye of Insight" and the dojo's facilities. Ignoring mental focus and visualization techniques, she can now master most of the sword techniques after just one pass. Besides, the Genryu-kan disciples have demonstrated them more than once.

"Remember this move. His action clearly has a hidden move. He may be using his fingers and footwork to close the distance after drawing his sword. Don't be fooled."

"There's also this move. When you see their feet change position, it means they need to change speed. It's the same technique as the Nanpa step of the Satsuma Jigen-ryu."

"Next is this..."

The little cat, who was meticulously dissecting each move with a serious expression, suddenly felt a heaviness on her head. The familiar sensation made her immediately break into a smile: "Master!"

Well, according to the moral standards of a teacher's college, he wouldn't think that his behavior of dismantling other people's swordsmanship was too much, would he?

In short, start by acting cute.

Haruno saw through the kitten's mischievous intentions at a glance and skillfully rubbed its head: "Well done, little kitten!"

If it were someone with whom there was no enmity, it would indeed be a bit excessive for a cat to randomly disrupt the opponent's swordsmanship. But as for the Genryu-kan, Harunobu would only say to increase the intensity.

The kitten was overjoyed to receive Qingxin's praise and couldn't wait to dissect it again in detail. Just then, the speaker blared a sound once more.

"Aozora-kan! Hosho Amu! vs.! Masayoshi-kan! Ashikaga Anno!"

Hosho Amu looked at Harunobu: "Teacher, the Justice Hall and the Genryu Hall have a pretty good relationship, right?"

Harunobu nodded, unsurprised by Hosho Amu's question: "It seems so, but your safety is the most important thing."

"I know, I won't let you worry about the teacher's college."

Hojo Amu smiled and nodded, then stepped onto the balcony railing and jumped off.

Ashikaga Anno, who had just reached the edge of the arena, looked at Hosho Amu descending from the sky. A glimmer of light appeared in her previously dull and lifeless eyes. Unfortunately, the light was too faint, and after only a momentary flash, it was swallowed up by the dullness again.

In another private room some distance away, Uesugi Yoshinobu, who was watching Ashikaga Anno, suddenly frowned slightly and muttered to himself, "They've all taken to the stage, why is Anno still so quiet?"

An ominous premonition spurred him to make preparations.

The names were called out on the arena. As was the standard procedure, the two sides, having exchanged names and their origins, drew their weapons and assumed their fighting stances.

Needless to say, Amu Hojo naturally assumed the ready stance for her fang strike, a move that embodied her Nenryu's unwavering resolve and guaranteed victory.

Across from her, Ashikaga Anno adopted an unusual stance, standing sideways with his left shoulder forward, facing Hojo Amu. The sword itself, along with the hands wielding it, was concealed on the other side of his body, making it impossible to determine his grip or the timing of his attacks.

This hidden-sword style is collectively known as "yin-go" in Japanese Kendo.

However, for Harunobu, who had a commanding view of the entire scene, this was a complete waste of time. Harunobu easily spotted the demon sword in Ashikaga Anno's hand, which was gleaming with a bewitching red light, and immediately became alert.

This sword looks very similar to the one Inoue Ichimura used earlier, and Ashikaga Anno also gave Harunobu a strange sense of déjà vu.

Chapter 336

Ming's height, weight, appearance, and temperament were completely different, but Qingxin always felt that he was strangely similar to that of the Pig Tail Village.

While pondering, Harunobu recalled the statements made by Sanada Maya and Hashimizu Yuri the previous night. They had indeed mentioned that the merchant had sold quite a few demon swords, and the money he had earned filled a whole basket.

So Harunobu realized a somewhat chilling fact: "Could these guys have also bought that 'traveling merchant's' demon sword?"

Harunobu muttered to himself, but then he thought about it again and felt that something seemed off. Generally speaking, most people controlled by a demon sword would lose their minds, become bloodthirsty and crazed, and kill anyone they saw. Although Ino-o Ichimura didn't seem to have any rationality, he kept his eyes fixed on Tachibana Nako, while letting go of the referee, who was obviously weaker and easier to deal with.

More importantly, he didn't have any demonic aura.

This is a strange situation. But it doesn't matter, he just needs to be ready to make his move.

Harunobu rested his left hand on the scabbard of Asauchi's sword, his sharp gaze fixed on the arena.

The referee swung his right hand and quickly stepped back.

At this moment, Ashikaga Anno let out a high-pitched breath, his whole body tensed up, and with the angry-looking Vajra suddenly appearing behind him, he actually had a very majestic feeling.

Mindset: Benevolent King!

However, faced with this powerful pressure that could frighten ordinary people and at least disturb the mind of a samurai, Amu Hojo's expression didn't even bother to change.

The 1000% increase in mental strength made her virtually immune to most mental attacks. To her, this imposing, wrathful Vajra was no different from a roadside stone.

Well, okay, there is a difference. It's all flashy and gaudy—and really ugly.

boom!

A sudden clap of thunder!

Hosho Amu shot out like an arrow released from a bow, or like a flash of lightning, covering more than ten meters in an instant and arriving in front of Ashikaga Anno. His lifeless eyes lit up again, but instead of being bright and clear, they were filled with darkness and jealousy.

But this has no effect whatsoever.

Hojo Amu calmly and precisely delivered the demon sword, Dream Transmission. The powerful demon sword, forged from the body of a demonic dragon, advanced straight forward, unshaken by the demon sword that came crashing in from the side, and steadily pierced towards Ashikaga Anno's heart.

Golden light quickly condensed and enveloped Ashikaga Anno, but the immense force of the fang pierced through even this defense, leaving a bright red mark on Ashikaga Anno's chest.

An undeniable victory, and a swift and decisive one at that!

Both were Okuden (secret martial arts) dojos, yet the dojo master was a disciple of the long-established Hatamoto's Justice Dojo, only to be instantly defeated by a disciple of the Blue Sky Dojo in one move! And it was the kind of annihilation that even someone who doesn't understand swordsmanship could see—an absolutely crushing defeat! The Blue Sky Dojo isn't even a Hatamoto dojo!

The Origin Hall doesn't seem to be that different from the Justice Hall...

Immediately, discussions and uproar arose again inside the venue.

Meanwhile, Hojo Amu, at the center of the discussion, proudly raised her head and surveyed her surroundings. Then, in the sudden silence, she pulled out her dream message and flicked the smear of blood off it to the ground.

Ashikaga Anno seemed to have been thrown off balance as well, and she fell to her knees with a thud, her head hanging low and disappearing into the shadows.

To outsiders, he seemed to have suffered a great blow and fallen into a state of withdrawal. But Amu Hosho had a vague sense of unease, as if this seemingly useless man was becoming dangerous. So she didn't accept the referee's declaration of victory, but instead stepped back a little and assumed the clenched teeth stance again.

The referee shrank back in surprise. He was just an ordinary person who came over to call the start and end; he didn't dare to meddle in anything else's business.