Female Swordsman Training Dojo

As Harunobu shared his thoughts, both Kyoko and Hirako fell silent. Harunobu, who had felt he had awakened and grown up while speaking, suddenly felt awkward.

Ugh... Growth, awakening, the pursuit of power... That's so damn cringey.

"Uh, you two, say something..." Harunobu spread his hands helplessly, "I'm going to be really embarrassed, even just laughing at me would be fine—um!"

The sudden softness against his face silenced Harunobu's attempt to lighten the mood. The familiar scent and embrace made Harunobu feel very relaxed, but he couldn't understand what was going on all of a sudden.

He didn't say anything particularly sentimental, did he?

Harunobu was stunned.

Chapter 81

Suddenly, I felt another weight on my left hand, the familiar flat surface – it was definitely the kitten.

With difficulty, I managed to squeeze out a sliver of light from my full breasts and saw a resolute expression on the kitten's face: "Teacher, please guide me to become stronger!"

No, you've become stronger fast enough. The problem now is that neither the Flying Sword Style nor the Thunder Breathing style suits you very well!

“Me too, husband…husband!” This was the first time Hirako had addressed Harunobu like this in front of outsiders. Harunobu felt the temperature rising rapidly, transmitted from the fullness of her breasts pressed against his face.

"So please trust us and give us your guidance!"

No, you were able to instantly kill the demonized Nishikiyama Kaoru with the strength of a student from the Communication University of China. Although it was a sneak attack, you've only been learning swordsmanship for a few months! And why did you two suddenly get emotional and sentimental?

Although Harunobu was full of questions, his hands were held captive and his head was buried in a chest-killing device, so he couldn't speak and didn't really want to speak—he just wanted to enjoy himself for a while.

While Harunobu was indulging in his newfound intimacy, Hirako and Koneko exchanged glances, confirming each other's thoughts—"As expected, Shihan is a very insecure person."

He always carries a knife wherever he goes, and he never slacks off in his swordsmanship practice. Normally, with a dojo occupying a huge area and a good woman like Taira Yukiko, he would at least relax and enjoy himself to some extent, if not indulge in a life of debauchery.

But that's not the case; in fact, it seems to be getting even worse.

Therefore, they need to find a way to help him.

Taira Sachiko held Harunobu tightly, and for the first time, she felt a vulnerable side to Harunobu, rather than the strong personality he had displayed since their first meeting. But this did not affect Taira Sachiko's love for Harunobu; on the contrary, it made her love him even more.

From another perspective.

Feeling the warmth emanating from her chest, Hirako lowered her head and gently kissed Harunobu's hair, a deep, motherly love emanating from her.

The kitten, however, thought more deeply. She didn't think Harunobu was weak. As a stray Eta, she recognized Harunobu's desire to become stronger; she was the same kind of person.

But it was precisely because of this that she understood even more why Harunobu, as a privileged class with no worries about food and clothing, yearned to become stronger, just like a homeless child living on the edge.

For his promise.

To help her, to help the promise of the cat house.

In the quiet room, three people huddled together, using three different approaches, arrived at the same conclusion, changing the minds of their three hearts.

The author says:

Author's note: A necessary transition~

Chapter 80: Shallow Strike

In the end, Harunobu let go of Hirako, mainly because both of his heads were about to give out, and secondly because he needed to start getting stronger!

After defeating the elite-level Sword Hunter, he not only completed the [Side Quest: Sword Hunter], but also the [Main Quest: The Glory of the World's Number One Dojo], and obtained 500 Study Points, the Benkei Bridge Blueprint, 1000 Study Points, and 1 chance to draw items from the shop (guaranteed item). So now it's time for another fun gacha draw.

Moreover, this place happens to be the shrine of Ebisu, the god of fortune, so the feng shui should be better than other places, right?

With one hand stroking the kitten's head and the other hand stroking Hirako's chest, Haruno activated the draw with a thought, naturally using the draw qualification that guaranteed an item first.

[Based on task completion, the chance of obtaining R/SR/SSR level items in this draw is increased by 50%/20%/5%]

[Is the selection process complete?]

Yes.

[Drawing in progress...Drawing complete]

[Obtained the R-rank item "Shallow Strike"]

On the automatically redirected page, a very ordinary katana lies in the center. The blade, tsuba, hilt, hilt roll, and even the tip are all very ordinary. It is not even as attractive as the reverse blade katana, Shin-uchi, and it doesn't even seem worthy of the R-rank.

But Qingxin felt that this was even more exciting than drawing an SR item, and couldn't wait to open the item description.

【Shallow play】

[The prototype of a Zanpakuto is a pure white object that has not yet been tainted by the beliefs and will of others. It contains a faint special power that may respond to the spirit and thoughts of its wielder.]

[Special Effect: Increases damage to soul entities by 10%]

To be honest, judging from this special effect alone, Shallow Strike is indeed quite weak. It only increases damage to the soul body, rather than being able to directly attack the soul, and it only increases damage by 10%. It is indeed at most an R-rank.

However, if we take into account the description of the item, then it's a different story, since this is the prototype of a Zanpakuto.

Senbonzakura, Ryujin Jakka, Kyoka Suigetsu, Tensa Zangetsu—well, these are all other people's Zanpakuto, not his, but maybe his Zanpakuto will be stronger and more unreasonable than these.

As for whether such descriptions are trustworthy, Harunobu might have previously considered them merely as copywriting. However, after witnessing Hirako, a mere student from the Central Academy of Drama, swiftly defeat the demonized Nishikiyama Kaoru, he realized that perhaps the descriptions provided by the system were all true.

After all, the effect of [Narukami's Body] is only to increase the learning efficiency of lightning-attribute swordsmanship, while Taira Yukiko's performance last night was truly "like a thunder god".

Harunobu's mood instantly became excited, and he continued the extraction without hesitation.

[Acquired SR-level swordsmanship, Laurent's Mind's Eye Blade - No Permission Required]

[Acquired R-rank swordsmanship, no outsider's style (Rurouni Kenshin version) - all techniques are mastered without permission]

Having completed two tasks and earned 1500 points, combined with his previous accumulation, Harunobu could now do two more draws, and he went all in without hesitation. And then... well, as expected of the shrine of the Seven Lucky Gods, it truly is a blessed place!

Not only are there no Ns, but they are all things that can be used immediately.

Asahi has already been analyzed before, so I won't go into details again. Laurent's Mind's Eye Blade is a family sword technique passed down by a certain peerless swordswoman. Although she herself uses a Western rapier, the focus of this sword technique is not on the routine of moves, but on a series of techniques for finding, creating, and exploiting weaknesses. Using a katana does not affect the effect, and it is perfectly suitable for Kitten with the [Eye of Insight].

As for the "No Outer Flow" (Rurouni Kenshin version), there's not much to say. Although it's a pity that the "No Outer Flow" method used to temper one's mind is gone, it has gained an even more terrifying move.

Dental process.

The relentless thrust, powerful enough to pierce even an iron shield, is still at the level of an ordinary user. If it were someone from this world, with the power of their will and the power of Thunder Breathing, Harunobu was eager to see how far this move could go, just like the performance of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu.

In conclusion, this is a sword technique that is very suitable for Hojo Amu with the "Thousand Thoughts, One Heart" style, at least more suitable than the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style. Moreover, it is originally a technique without external flow, so she should be able to practice it easily without affecting her practice of Thunder Breathing.

Looking at the new items on the system page, Qingxin had already figured out the guidance plan for his disciples. After all, the study points were given based on the disciples' progress. While talent was important for continuous and rapid progress, appropriate guidance and learning plans could also provide excellent help. This is what is meant by teaching according to aptitude.

However, this style of martial arts can only be taught to Ya Tu, and it has to be given a different name, otherwise it will be labeled as a despicable person who steals other styles.

Thinking of this, Harunobu turned his head to look at the kitten: "You just said you wanted to get stronger, right? Well, you can start preparing now. I've just mastered a new sword technique... um, it's the Mind's Eye Sword Technique of our Natural Harunobu-ryu."

The Natural Sunny Heart Stream has gained another powerful member.

"That's great, as expected of you!"

The kitten was naturally overjoyed. Although she could see that Qingxin wasn't really hiding his guilt, she didn't care whether it was natural Qingxin Liu or not. Anyway, the teacher said it was, so...

Chapter 82

that is!

“Call me Teacher.” Ruffling the smug little cat’s head, Harunobu turned his attention back to the system panel, but before that, he skillfully took Hirako’s hand.

Having grown accustomed to Harunobu's occasional moments of absentmindedness, Hirako smiled gently and tidied Harunobu's messy sideburns. The cat, equally accustomed to this, yawned and nestled its head in Harunobu's arms.

After Harunobu completed the main quest, a new phase of the main quest was also issued, and this time there were three at once:

Main Quest: Dominate the Region

[Mission Description: We cannot tolerate others sleeping soundly beside our bed; we aim to become the undisputed strongest gym in Asakusa and Shimodani districts.]

[Task Reward: 1000 Study Points]

[Challenge Reward: Prove you're the strongest in the most direct way, Sword Breaking Monument Blueprint *1]

Yeah, this mission is all about combat! Awesome!

However, Harunobu didn't plan to go straight for the fight. Putting aside the possibility of losing, the main reason was that it would offend too many people. Now, the gyms in Asakusa and Shitaya Ward would no longer actively attack the Blue Sky Gym's signboard and create a war claim for him.

Main Quest: Gym Construction

[Mission Description: Upgrade at least five gym facilities to level 2]

[Mission Reward: 1 random Tier 3 Gym Facility Blueprint, Gym Level Up]

[Challenge Reward: If more than three gym facilities are upgraded to level 3, you can upgrade an additional designated gym facility for free once.]

Main Quest: Master and Disciple

[Task Description: An excellent dojo needs not only excellent instructors but also excellent students. Prove your teaching ability as an excellent instructor by training 0/1 master students and 2/2 intermediate students.]

[Task Reward: 1000 Study Points]

[Challenge Reward: If completed within three months, or if a disciple is successfully trained and becomes a fully proficient disciple, an additional opportunity to enhance the disciple's talent will be awarded.]

The remaining two tasks are clearly more focused on farming and management, and they complement each other. One task requires upgrading the dojo facilities, which naturally improves the disciples' learning efficiency, while the other requires teaching more disciples. The study points earned during this process can be used to upgrade and increase the dojo facilities.

After reviewing the tasks and making sure nothing was missed, Qingxin stretched and said, "Alright, it's already so bright, it's time to go home."

"Yes, teachers' college."

Hirako immediately helped Harunobu up, her soft, full breasts engulfing his strong upper arm, making him raise his eyebrows at the kitten with a smug look, which earned him a disdainful glance, but she did not let go of Harunobu's hand.

While they were enjoying themselves on one side, the atmosphere at the Demon Dragon Society on the other side was not so good.

The author says:

Author's Note: Place your bets now! Guess the protagonist's Zanpakuto ability; a correct guess will result in an extra chapter!

Hint: This is not an elemental system.

Chapter 81: The Hidden Dragon

A somber atmosphere permeated the magnificent manor of the Demon Dragon Society's main headquarters. Whether it was the numerous guards on duty or the various "big shots" strolling around, they were all discussing the same topic—the disastrous defeat of the transmission route.

Three groups—the Kinzan group, the Tanaka group, and the Hanayama group—were dispatched, totaling 223 people. In the end, not only did they fail to obtain anything, but they also lost 195 people. Of the 28 who returned, almost all of them were injured. Only Shinwaka, the head of the Tanaka group who rose to power through shady dealings, had the least serious injuries.

This loss can be said to have completely disgraced the Demon Dragon Society, especially in front of so many residents of the Transmission Path!

More importantly, the culprit who caused the Dragon Society such heavy losses was dealt with single-handedly by a mere samurai, without even suffering any major injuries—at least verbally, these Yakuza leaders didn't think being stabbed through the stomach was a serious injury.

As for whether they would be willing to do it... it's like asking them if they would be willing to help three weakened groups; the only answer is yes.

Anyway, the leader of the Huashan Group has voluntarily retired and returned to his hometown to live out his days. As for the original Huashan Group territory, of course, the brothers will help you keep an eye on it for now. As for the fee for helping out, giving him 70-90% of the original amount should be enough.

Let's all hook up, bro!

Ah, what about that samurai named Taira no Harunobu? He acted bravely and helped us avenge our grievances; are we really going to go and cause him trouble?

Don't forget, the most important thing for us Yakuza is benevolence and righteousness! You bastard!

"To put it bluntly, they're just scared of that Taira no Harunobu! A bunch of useless trash!"

Ryuichi Suzuki forcefully threw the teacup in his hand. The white ceramic rolled on the thick carpet and slid all the way to Ippei Suzuki's feet. The obese mastermind took out a cigar, cut it open, lit it, put it in his mouth, and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.

Then he spoke: "Otherwise, are you going to go and cause trouble for that Ping Qingxin?"

Ryuichi Suzuki glared back, displeased: "You were the one who started causing trouble for him in the first place!"

“Yes, but I’ve decided to make peace with him now. There’s no need to offend such a powerful samurai over such a small matter—it’s not my son who died anyway.” Suzuki Ippei puffed out his cigar in one breath, then slowly exhaled a thick cloud of smoke that covered his large head, obscuring Suzuki Ryuichi’s flushed face.

“Actually, I wouldn’t have minded if you wanted to cause him trouble. After all, your strength after taking the medicine is not far from that of an elite-level monster, let alone a defective product that is hampered by its body.” Suzuki Ippei continued. As a member of an organization that desperately wanted to obtain the rare mutant, Touki, he had naturally gone to investigate the scene and concluded from the situation that Touki was in poor condition.

Otherwise, there's no reason why Hiraharunobu could win. He's only a few years old, and according to the investigation of him, he really didn't grasp what those samurai called "heart."

“Then…” Suzuki Ryuichi’s face lit up with joy. Actually, he didn’t care about his dwarf son, since he had plenty of children. But the death of Nishikiyama Kaoru really broke his heart. He was a true brother!

"But are you confident you can end the battle quickly?" Suzuki Ippei shrugged, his rounded triple chin twitching. "What if it drags on until the effects of the medicine wear off, or until an Onmyoji or a Shinto priest arrives..."

Suzuki Ippei didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: Yakuza is one thing, but Yakuza that can turn into monsters is another. At least the Demon Dragon Society's current protective umbrella isn't strong enough to suppress such a thing. Even if it were, the price the Demon Dragon Society would have to pay would definitely not be small. Killing Hiraharunobu for this is simply not worth it.

However, Ryuichi Suzuki shook his head firmly: "If demonization alone isn't enough, then use those foreign guns too. At worst, we can destroy them after we're done using them, and I'll cover the cost of the difference."

He and Jinshan Xun were true friends who grew up together. When he was eighteen, he forced himself on Jinshan's wife, and Jinshan Xun handed him a rope. The entire Demon Dragon Society can be said to have been built by the two of them together. His death cannot be left like this!

Ippei Suzuki silently finished his cigar, stubbing out the last bit on the elegant armrest of the sofa: "No."

"Why?" Suzuki Ryuichi couldn't help but stand up, his strong body looming over Suzuki Ippei, who was lying on the sofa.

“Because we need to keep a low profile from now on.” Suzuki Ippei gave Suzuki Ryuichi a cold look, freezing the latter’s anger. “The monks of Senso-ji Temple are about to hold a large festival to curry favor with the new emperor. Who knows how many monks, nuns, priests and shrine maidens will come to this godforsaken place, and maybe even some Onmyoji and those foreigners from the Christian sect. How many people does your Demon Dragon Society have that you dare to cause trouble at this time?”

"As long as we get started quickly and do it cleanly..."