It was another bright and refreshing weekend, but unfortunately for Shin-chan, he was still very busy and couldn't peacefully enjoy any leisure time.
For the kendo world of Tokyo, today was a particularly special day.
The Musashino Dojo was currently the most influential dojo in the Kyoshin Meichi-ryu style. Musashino Giken and his junior fellow disciple Mizukagami Sozan were both strong fighters.
This time, Musashino Giken had pulled every string he had, leveraging all his connections and favors to invite numerous kendo masters to observe the succession assessment for the Musashino Dojo's future heir, causing quite a stir.
Everyone could see it clearly, for Musashino Giken to go this far, it meant he had truly found an extraordinary successor.
He even managed to invite the President of the National Kendo Federation of Japan. How did Musashino Giken pull that off?
In the modern kendo world represented by the national federation, among the required techniques for Dan 6-level exams, seven kata came from Kyoshin Meichi-ryu, and three from Yagyū-ryu.
Although Kyoshin Meichi-ryu was no longer as glorious as it was during the Edo period when it was one of the "Three Great Dojos," its philosophy had still greatly influenced the development of modern kendo.
Many films and manga involving swordsmanship had adopted the aesthetic and principles of this school to portray the beauty of the art.
"Senior, hasn't that genius disciple shown up yet?"
Just yesterday, Mizukagami Sozan had already arrived, and he was extremely curious about this so-called successor.
In Musashino Giken's words, this young man was a once-in-a-generation genius who would lead the Musashino Dojo and Kyoshin Meichi-ryu to a new era of glory.
Rumors were already flying outside: a genius had appeared at the Musashino Dojo.
But even now, on the big day, he hadn't shown up yet. What kind of etiquette was that? Could it be he didn't want to be the dojo's heir?
"He should be here soon. Shin-chan is still a high school student, after all, so he doesn't have much time to train in kendo."
"But since he's already decided to be the dojo's successor, how can he still waste time on studies?!"
Mizukagami Sozan was even more rigid than Musashino Giken. He was someone who followed the Kyoshin Meichi-ryu ideals even in daily life and was obsessed with the practicality of sword combat.
"Shin-chan attends Shuchiin Academy, you know. Soon, he'll be representing the school in both the Jade Dragon Tournament and the National High School Comprehensive Sports Meet."
"And I heard the only daughter of the Busujima family will also be attending today. She seems to have a good relationship with Shin-chan."
Musashino Giken raised an eyebrow as he said this.
"Busujima…"
Mizukagami Sozan's expression grew complicated. He and Busujima Saeko's father, Busujima Butetsu, were long-time rivals. They'd clashed many times without ever deciding a victor. Eventually, Busujima Butetsu moved abroad to open a dojo, and only then did the conflicts between them lessen.
"You're making such a big fuss about this, is that really okay?"
"Should I go easy on him?"
"No. Just show your full strength, but make sure no one gets hurt."
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. I won't injure him."
Musashino Giken opened his mouth as if to say something, but clearly, he was a little afraid Mizukagami might be the one to get hurt.
Soon, as time passed, guests arrived one after another. Musashino Giken was well connected in the kendo world, and with the President of the Federation present, many came just for the spectacle.
Everyone was curious, was this heir of the Musashino Dojo a true dragon, or just a worm?
"That guy Shin-chan! Why isn't he here yet?!"
Outside the dojo, Kazama had arrived early but still hadn't seen Shin-chan. If he'd known, he would've gone to his house and dragged him out. 'Could it be that guy overslept?'
It was entirely possible. Shin-chan was the type who might mess up something important like this.
Since Kazama arrived, he had seen many people enter the dojo dressed in traditional Japanese clothing and carrying katana. Clearly, these were famous kendo masters.
This made Kazama extremely nervous. Today's test clearly wasn't just a formality like Shin-chan had said, it was serious business.
He sent Shin-chan another message, still no reply.
"Kazama-kun."
"Huh? Yukinoshita-san? Why are you here?"
Kazama turned his head and was surprised to see Yukinoshita Yukino.
"I also train at the Musashino Dojo. Come, I'll take you inside."
"But Shin-chan still hasn't..."
"No need to worry about him. That young lady from the Suotome family came and picked him up."
As she said this, Yukino seemed a little angry, also a little unwilling.
She knew exactly what was happening today. She had gotten up very early, planning to head to the dojo together with Shin-chan. But just as she stepped out her door, she saw her hallway filled with black-suited bodyguards.
Startled, she then saw Suotome Ai walk out of the elevator and give her a polite smile.
For some reason, Yukino felt incredibly guilty and returned a forced smile, then shut her door.
How could she be such a coward? She couldn't even speak up. All she could do was secretly peek through the peephole in the front door.
And through it, she saw Shin-chan open his door, saw Suotome Ai latch onto his arm, even greet Shiro the dog, and then the two left together.
Her whole body exploded with frustration.
This overwhelming defeat and helplessness, what kind of cruel joke was this?
Only after Ai and all the bodyguards had left did Yukino dare to open her door and step outside, staring silently at Shin-chan's closed door.
Too strong. Totally unbeatable. Not even her older sister would be a match for this young lady.
Even the famous Shinomiya president couldn't compare to Suotome Ai.
The Yukinoshita family had already been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy by the Shinomiya family's pressure. If this young lady became displeased…
'Picked up by Ai-chan, huh?' Hearing Yukino say this, Kazama relaxed.
He trusted Ai-chan quite a bit. Following behind Yukino, he entered the dojo. Soon, they met Aikou Rokushin and Busujima Saeko.
"Kazama-kun! You're here too? Why didn't you tell me? Let's add each other on Line first!"
Aikou Rokushin naturally knew Kazama, he was Shin-chan's close friend. He had stayed overnight at the dojo and hadn't seen Kazama waiting at the gate. If he had, he would've brought him in right away.
"Sure, Aikou-senpai."
Kazama liked this enthusiastic upperclassman. He was so friendly and considerate that Kazama's nervousness about being in an unfamiliar place quickly faded.
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