Tokyo Knights: The Odd Jobs X Files

Alright, so you can't beat our "Extreme Style," so you're planning to steal our techniques and undermine us from within?

After conjuring up a long story about how "the local schools are so despicable," Takuma Sakazaki roared, "Shameless! Get out of my dojo!"

Takuma Sakazaki merely roared, yet the resulting sound wave was incredibly solid, striking Li Xin and causing him, protected by the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill," to stagger back half a step. The surrounding apprentices fared even worse, their eardrums throbbing from the sound wave, causing them to clutch their ears and kneel in agony. Several apprentices who were closer to Takuma Sakazaki were even blasted away by the sound wave.

The apprentices who had been thrown into the air got up from the ground and suddenly shouted like madmen, "I can't stay here any longer! I want to leave!"

Then they ran desperately toward the gate of the dojo, wanting to escape this place that tormented them.

Staying in such a dojo for even one more day means losing another year of life. They probably won't even have learned anything before they lose their lives. What about the "number one martial arts school in Japan"? They don't want to learn anymore; they want to live!

Several more fellow apprentices deserted, and the remaining apprentices couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, thinking, "Maybe we shouldn't come back tomorrow either..."

While "Kyokugenryu" karate has its flaws, its only redeeming quality is that Takuma Sakazaki doesn't prevent students from leaving the dojo. If a student can't endure the hardship of training and wants to leave, let them go; he doesn't care. As long as they don't use the name "Kyokugenryu" to do bad things in the future, Takuma Sakazaki won't bother with those good-for-nothings.

Without giving the fleeing apprentices a second glance, Takuma Sakazaki stared intently at Li Xin, who had taken the roar head-on but only taken a half step back, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

This roar seemed simple, but it was actually a variation of their "Extreme Style" ultimate technique, "Overlord Roaring Fist". Although using sound waves instead of physical power greatly reduced the power of this move, Li Xin only took half a step back after being hit head-on. It seems that this kid's internal strength is very solid and his strength is even greater than he predicted!

"Master, who made you so angry?"

A figure descended from the second floor of the martial arts hall. A tall, slender foreign man in a white suit jumped between Takuma Sakazaki and Li Xin, blocking Takuma Sakazaki's view.

"It's you, Robert."

After thinking for a moment, Sakazaki said to Robert, "Robert, kick this kid out."

Since the other party didn't explicitly say they were there to challenge him, it would be beneath his dignity as the head of the "Kyokugenryu" karate school to directly attack. It would be more appropriate for his disciple, Robert, to drive Li Xin out on his behalf.

"OK, Master!"

Without asking any questions, Robert simply gave Sakazaki Takuma an "OK" sign and pounced on Li Xin. His movements were as swift as the wind as he attacked Li Xin directly. He jumped into the air and unleashed a series of kicks at Li Xin, starting with his signature move, the "Flying Swallow Whirlwind Kick"!

Although Li Xin came to learn martial arts, he wasn't going to just stand there and let himself be beaten. Seeing Robert coming at him aggressively, he quickly raised his arms to block Robert's kick.

Robert kicked Li Xin's arms repeatedly, but instead of moving him, he felt a series of shocks. This surprised Robert more than pleased him.

No wonder Master sent me to deal with him, this guy's got some skills!

Falling from mid-air, Robert braced himself on one foot and unleashed a barrage of kicks at Li Xin, his legs flashing up and down in rapid succession, several times more ferocious than his previous "Flying Swallow Whirlwind Kick," leaving Li Xin overwhelmed. Finally, he executed a backflip, his double-legged somersault kick landing heavily on Li Xin's chin, sending him flying high into the air, over the dojo gate, and out of the dojo.

The girl with the single ponytail and braid looked at Li Xin, who was being kicked away so hard, with a look of pity on her face. She covered her eyes. It was just too tragic!

Robert kicked Li Xin away, but Takuma Sakazaki did not show any satisfaction; instead, he looked puzzled.

He originally thought that Li Xin was a spy sent by other schools to "Kyokugenryu" to steal their skills and undermine their "Kyokugenryu" from within. So he asked Robert to teach Li Xin a lesson. However, apart from showing his profound internal strength, Li Xin did not use even a single move from any school. He blocked Robert's attacks entirely on instinct and with an astonishingly fast reaction. This puzzled Takuma Sakazaki.

However, Takuma Sakazaki quickly "figured it out".

Goodness, you disguised yourself so thoroughly to infiltrate "Extreme Flow" and didn't fight back even after being beaten like this. But give up, I will never take you in!

"Robert, close the door!"

Takuma Sakazaki snorted coldly, completely blocking Li Xin's path to becoming his disciple.

"Yes, Master!"

Li Xin, who had been kicked out of the gate, struggled to get up from the ground and saw that the gate of the "Kyokugenryu" karate dojo was tightly closed. He knew that "Kyokugenryu" did not welcome him. He sighed and had no choice but to leave the "Kyokugenryu" karate dojo.

However, even though he left "Kyokugenryu", Li Xin did not give up the idea of ​​learning fighting techniques to enhance his strength. After all, it was a necessity for him, so how could he give up because of a temporary setback?

While searching for a "Kyokugenryu" karate dojo, Li Xin saw several places that looked like dojos along the way. He had been so focused on learning karate at a "Kyokugenryu" dojo that he hadn't considered those other dojos before, but now it seemed like he should check them out.

So, Li Xin went to the dojo closest to the "Kyokugenryu" karate dojo, the "Shiranui-ryu Ninjutsu Dojo".

Is it a dojo that teaches ninjutsu?

Li Xin frowned. He had only seen the back of the dojo and not the sign on the front, so he thought it was a dojo that taught martial arts. But it turned out to be a dojo that taught ninjutsu. This made Li Xin lose interest in learning it.

As soon as Li Xin turned around, he heard a charming voice anxiously say, "Wait, sir, do you want to learn our 'Shiranui-ryu' ninjutsu? You have excellent taste!"

"No, I don't intend to learn ninjutsu..."

Before Li Xin could finish speaking, a woman in a kimono ran out of the dojo and forcibly pulled him into the dojo by the hand.

Li Xin wanted to resist, but found that the woman was incredibly strong and he couldn't break free. When he came to his senses, he realized that he had been dragged into the dojo.

The woman in the kimono had a neat high ponytail and a voluptuous, alluring figure. Even though she was wearing a kimono, which didn't accentuate her figure, it couldn't hide her ample bosom. Her beautiful features and charming demeanor were enough to make any man's heart flutter. Even Li Xin was momentarily stunned when he saw her.

The woman in the kimono couldn't help but smile slightly, sensing that Li Xin was already captivated by her charm.

Sure enough, a woman as naturally beautiful as me is prone to accidentally hurting men!

The woman in the kimono felt a little narcissistic in her heart, then said to Li Xin, "Sir, I am Mai Shiranui, the head of the 'Shiranui-ryu Ninjutsu,' and also the head of this dojo. If you want to learn 'Shiranui-ryu Ninjutsu,' just tell me. As long as you are willing to pay a monthly tuition of 500,000 yen, I can give you everything I have... Hey, hey, what are you doing? Don't go!"

"Farewell!"

Li Xin walked away without looking back, and Mai Shiranui couldn't stop him no matter how hard she tried.

"Hey, don't go! If you leave, what will happen to our dojo's rent this month? Just consider it a favor! There's fanservice involved!"

Mai Shiranui shouted behind Li Xin, but no matter how hard she shouted, Li Xin only moved faster and faster.

He'd rather die than learn it for 500,000 yen a month!

Chapter Twenty-One: Is this a proper apprenticeship ceremony?

After escaping from the dojo of the "Shiranui-ryu" ninjutsu, Li Xin arrived in an unfamiliar place.

In my panic, I didn't even know where I ended up. Now I'm in trouble.

Having no other choice, Li Xin could only ask for directions. As he walked, he came to a building that looked like a Taoist temple.

Inside the dojo, beneath the plaque that reads "Toudou-ryu Ancient Martial Arts," Toudou Ryuhaku looks worried.

Compared to the now-famous "Kyokugenryu" in the Japanese martial arts world, "Todo-ryu" is not well-known, but it has a long history with hundreds of years of tradition. Todo Ryuhaku was also a martial arts master and is respected by many.

However, this revered martial arts master lost to a junior of "Kyokugenryu" a couple of years ago, namely Ryo Sakazaki, the son of Takuma Sakazaki.

However, the Toudou family and the Sakazaki family had a very good relationship, and Sakazaki Ryo always addressed Toudou Ryuhaku as "Uncle Ryuhaku," which made it difficult for Toudou Ryuhaku to harbor any resentment towards Sakazaki Ryo. Therefore, he could only resent himself, resenting how he was so useless and actually lost to a junior!

While it's normal for the younger generation to surpass the older generation in the martial arts world, it's astonishing that Ryo Sakazaki, only in his twenties, has managed to surpass his own fifty-something-year-old predecessor. This "younger generation" is just too arrogant!

But that wasn't the most frustrating thing for Ryuhaku Todo. What really upset him was that even if he wanted to win back, he couldn't.

After all, he was Ryo Sakazaki's senior. Ryo Sakazaki challenging him was courageous and ambitious, worthy of praise. But for Ryuhaku Todo to challenge Ryo Sakazaki was bullying the younger one, shameless. Even if he won, it would be a laughing stock. Of course, Ryuhaku Todo felt that with Ryo Sakazaki's strength, he probably wouldn't be able to win...

Hey……

Ryuhaku Todo sighed, feeling that he had disgraced the plaque above his head.

As for how to restore the glory of "Todo-ryu Ancient Martial Arts", there is only one way: to cultivate a powerful successor who can defeat Ryo Sakazaki and prove that "Todo-ryu Ancient Martial Arts" is stronger than "Kyokugenryu".

However, this method is even more difficult for Toudou Ryuhaku. "Toudou-ryu Kokyuu" is the Toudou family's traditional martial arts, which is only passed down to members of the Toudou family and is not taught to outsiders. In other words, the only successors that Toudou Ryuhaku can train are his two daughters.

However, Todo Ryuhaku's eldest daughter was frail and sickly, making her unsuitable for martial arts training. Although his second daughter was exceptionally talented and had mastered the "Todo-ryu Ancient Martial Arts" at a young age, her talent was still far inferior to that of Sakazaki Ryo. Not to mention the age and gender difference between them, Todo Ryuhaku had virtually no hope that his daughter could defeat Sakazaki Ryo.

Does this mean that my "Toudou-ryu" style will never be able to defeat "Kyokugenryu" style?

Is anyone home?

A voice came from the dojo's gate. Toudou Ryuhaku frowned slightly, walked out of the dojo, and then saw Li Xin nod to him and say, "Old man, may I ask where this place is? I got lost while walking."

When Ryuhaku Toudou met Li Xin, just like Takuma Sakazaki, he also sensed that Li Xin was not simple. However, unlike Takuma Sakazaki, he did not suspect that Li Xin had come to challenge the dojo or had some kind of conspiracy. After all, there was nothing in his "Toudou-ryu" dojo that was worth coveting. If there was anything, it could only be his two beautiful daughters.

"Could you tell me why you're here?"

Instead of answering Li Xin's question, Tōdō Ryūhaku asked a question in return.

There was nothing to hide about this question, so Li Xin answered directly: "Uncle, I'm here to learn martial arts."

"Oh, I see..."

Li Xin's answer was not unexpected by Tōdō Ryūhaku.

There's not much else in this area except for some poorly managed dojos. Dojos require a lot of land, so even dojos like "Kyokugenryu" and "Toudouryu," which are struggling, chose to locate their dojos in this place where the rent is cheap and it's not too far from the city center. So, the young people who usually come here are mostly martial arts apprentices. Therefore, Toudou Ryuhaku wasn't surprised when Li Xin said he came to learn fighting techniques.

"Oh, so which school of thought are you a disciple of?"

"Tōdō Ryūhaku asked."

Li Xin's imposing physique and deep, even breathing, told Tōdō Ryūhaku that he was a highly skilled practitioner. He had a general understanding of the strength of the dojos in this area, but he really didn't know which dojo had such a high-achieving disciple.

Li Xin felt bitter and shook his head, saying, "I haven't joined any school yet. I came here hoping to find a master, but no one will accept me."

Tōdō Ryūbō understood.

Li Xin clearly possessed martial arts skills, and most martial arts schools are quite averse to accepting someone with prior martial arts experience as a student, so it's understandable that they wouldn't accept Li Xin.

Tōdō Ryūhaku said to Li Xin, "I observe that your breathing is long and steady, and your internal strength is quite remarkable. Your original sect must have been quite extraordinary as well. Why bother to switch to another sect?"

Li Xin smiled wryly and said, "Old man, I can tell you that you are also a martial arts expert, so I won't hide it from you. Actually, I just had a strange encounter when I was young and learned a lot of internal energy, but I have never learned any other moves besides internal energy. That's why I thought of learning some fighting skills to complement my internal energy."

When talking about his "adventures," Li Xin's feelings were actually quite complicated.

The "Wedding Dress Divine Skill" did indeed grant Li Xin extraordinary power, but it also tormented him for many years and might even have cost him his life. However, he did not hate the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill." Without it, he probably wouldn't have been able to venture into the big city and would have been stuck in Shibali Village. Even if he had managed to escape the flood, he would have lived a very difficult life.

The "Wedding Dress Divine Skill" led him into a desperate situation but also led him out of it. Therefore, he still regarded obtaining the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill" as a stroke of luck.

"Only knows internal energy cultivation and not other martial arts?"

Ryuhaku Todo frowned, then attacked Li Xin with lightning speed. Despite having lost to a junior like Ryo Sakazaki, Ryuhaku Todo was still very strong and a true martial arts master. It was just that Ryo Sakazaki was too fierce, while Ryuhaku Todo was getting old and his physical strength had declined. He was also careless and that's why he lost to Ryo Sakazaki. If we're talking about martial arts level, he's still above Ryo Sakazaki.

Of course, realm is realm and combat strength is combat strength. Toudou Ryuhaku is old, and Sakazaki Ryo is the kind of combat genius who gets stronger when facing stronger opponents, so if they really fought, Sakazaki Ryo would most likely win. But when it comes to dealing with Li Xin, Toudou Ryuhaku is confident that he is capable enough.

Seeing that Toudou Ryuhaku had suddenly attacked him, Li Xin had suffered a loss in the "Kyokugenryu" style before, so he was not completely unprepared this time. He dodged directly, but Toudou Ryuhaku still grabbed his arm and then slammed him to the ground with a "thud".

The fall wasn't serious, at least not for Li Xin who was protected by the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill," but it still knocked his sunglasses askew.

Sure enough, these martial arts styles love to fight at the drop of a hat...

Having been hit twice in a row, Li Xin was extremely annoyed, but he couldn't retaliate because he was no match for the opponent.

"You really don't know martial arts..."

Tōdō Ryūhaku said with mixed feelings.

Having cultivated for many years, although his strength had declined somewhat due to his advanced age, his eyesight was definitely stronger than ever before. He immediately discerned that Li Xin had never practiced martial arts, or rather, had never systematically practiced martial arts.

Different people have different standards for judging whether someone has practiced martial arts. Some people believe that as long as they have learned some moves, they have practiced martial arts. Others believe that only when one's internal strength reaches a certain level can one be considered to have practiced martial arts. However, martial arts masters like Ryuhaku Todo have very strict standards for judging whether someone has practiced martial arts. That is, one must have practiced internal strength and moves to a certain level and mastered them to a certain degree. Martial arts must have been engraved in one's body and become an instinctive reaction. Only then can one be considered to have practiced martial arts.

Clearly, although Li Xin possessed considerable internal strength, even quite profound, after probing that Li Xin's body had not undergone systematic martial arts training, Tōdō Ryūhaku still judged Li Xin as someone who had never practiced martial arts.

"I'm sorry, I was just testing you. After all, you already have skills when you apply to a master, so it's easy for people to think you have ulterior motives."

Tōdō Ryūhaku politely helped Li Xin up from the ground. As for whether it was polite to throw someone down and then help them up, that's another question.

There are generally two situations for people who come to study under a master with prior skills. One is that they have family martial arts skills and feel that they have mastered them to the fullest extent. In order to further their skills, they go to other martial arts schools with higher standards to study under a master. This situation is relatively common in the martial arts world and is generally well-regarded. However, even if such people go to study under a master, they usually bring a letter of recommendation and will not randomly choose a school.

Another type is those who are expelled from their original sect, or even traitors to their sect who want to climb the social ladder. Such people are naturally despised in the martial arts world, so very few sects will accept such disciples.

There is actually another type: spies sent by other sects with ulterior motives. However, such people would never reveal their sect, but would pretend that they do not know martial arts. Li Xin was previously mistaken by Sakazaki Takuma for a spy sent by another sect, and Robert gave Li Xin a good lesson. Now, Tōdō Ryūhaku has tested Li Xin and classified him as the first type.

As he pulled Li Xin up, Tōdō Ryūhaku grasped Li Xin's arm. Suddenly sensing something, he examined Li Xin for a while, touching his head, pulling his arm, and taking his pulse. Then, with a look of shock, he said, "Such strong bones and muscles... Could this be the legendary martial arts prodigy who appears only once in a century?"

Li Xin: "..."

These words sounded familiar, and Li Xin vaguely recalled that afternoon ten years ago.

At this moment, Tōdō Ryūhaku's gaze towards Li Xin changed. He put on a kind smile and explained to Li Xin the taboo in the martial arts world regarding someone who already possesses skills becoming a disciple. Only then did Li Xin understand why he had been beaten up for no reason when he went to "Kyūgenryū".

However, while Li Xin was partly to blame for the beating, it was still too much for the "Extreme Flow" to beat him up without asking any questions or verifying the facts. Once he had mastered his skills, he would definitely go to the "Extreme Flow" and argue with them about the cost of the medicine!

“I already understand that you are not the kind of wicked person with ill intentions. Since you have come here to learn martial arts, then you might as well join my ‘Toudou-ryu’ school. My ‘Toudou-ryu’ school has a reputation in the martial arts world. Its hundreds of years of heritage are not to be underestimated. As long as you join my ‘Toudou-ryu’ school, I guarantee you will enjoy endless benefits.”

Tōdō Ryūpai addressed Li Xindao.

Li Xin looked at Toudou Ryuhaku with suspicion. It was a good thing to be able to become an apprentice, but the fact that it was so easy made Li Xin feel that something was wrong. Moreover, at most, Toudou Ryuhaku could only confirm that he was not a traitor to other sects. How could he distinguish that he was not a villain? Wasn't it too hasty to accept an apprentice like this?

“Our ‘Toudou-ryu’ ancient martial arts are not those low-class martial arts that you can learn by paying money. If you become my disciple, I will teach you everything I know, and I will not charge you any money!”

Because there are many swindlers in the martial arts world who use the guise of taking on apprentices to actually cheat people out of money, and fearing that Li Xin might think he was cheating him, Tōdō Ryūhaku directly told Li Xin that he did not accept money.

No charge?

Immediately, Li Xin felt that he had made up his mind to be Tengtang Longbai's master!

"Okay, I'll become your apprentice!"

Li Xin nodded.

Tōdō Ryūhaku smiled with satisfaction and said, "Alright, you go into the martial arts hall first, I'll go call my daughter."

With that, Tōdō Ryūhaku left Li Xin behind and ran to the backyard of the dojo.

Li Xin found it strange that he had to bring his daughter along when he was just becoming an apprentice of Toudou Ryuhaku, but he thought that Toudou Ryuhaku probably wanted his family to be witnesses, so he didn't pay any attention to it and followed Toudou Ryuhaku's arrangement to enter the martial arts school.