"Senior Aikou, what exactly is the dojo holding today? Why have so many people come?"
The students of the Musashino Dojo were all busy welcoming guests and preparing the venue. Many renowned kendo figures had arrived today, aside from some major kendo competitions, it was rare to see so many kendo practitioners gathered together.
Seeing the dojo so lively made Kazama even more worried.
"Shin-chan didn't tell you?" Aikou Rokushin found it a bit strange, but still answered Kazama's question.
"It's not really some kind of event, just a simple test, that's all."
"Junior Shin-chan is the disciple of Musashino Kenta, and currently the only successor of the Musashino Dojo."
"Because of Master Musashino Giken's hand injury, the Musashino Dojo might fall into decline, so a breakthrough is necessary to expand its influence."
"And Junior Shin-chan's appearance is that very breakthrough!"
Musashino Giken looked extremely fired up, and his narrowed eyes flashed with an excited light.
"Displaying Shin-chan's talent in front of everyone and letting them know that the Musashino Dojo isn't without successors, that's the main goal of today's event."
"Of course, you don't need to worry. The person sparring with Shin-chan is Master Musashino Giken's junior fellow disciple, who is Shin-chan's martial granduncle. Everyone's family here."
After listening to Musashino Giken's explanation, Kazama finally relaxed. Hearing it explained like that, he understood, there shouldn't be any danger.
This Shin-chan guy, turns out he's the successor of this dojo? Kazama felt a lot of pressure. This dojo clearly wasn't small. If Shin-chan could inherit it, wouldn't he be shooting straight to the peak of life?
'Wait, what am I thinking? Shin-chan has Ai-chan!'
Still, just thinking about how he himself was studying so hard at cram school every day to pursue a brighter future, while Shin-chan just practiced kendo and could inherit such a big dojo, and even if he wanted to lie flat, Ai-chan would still have his back.
Although he was envious, Kazama didn't resent him. Back when they all met Ai-chan together, only Shin-chan could make Ai-chan see him in a different light. Even now, Shin-chan could still treat Ai-chan with a normal heart, which Kazama couldn't possibly do.
Making a living with ability, even if he's eating a "soft meal" (relying on a woman), he still deserves respect.
He really is a man who makes people love and hate him at the same time.
Beside him, Yukino clearly already knew about this, but her expression still looked a bit dejected. Clearly, she had been struck down by Ai-chan.
Perfect looks, perfect family background, perfect personality, perfect figure, flawless in every way.
Even her speech and behavior were impeccable.
And what about herself? The Yukinoshita family was just a small household. Her figure was plain and ordinary. Her personality was a bit awkward, maybe the only thing left was her somewhat cute face.
If she had known earlier, she might as well have stayed a cat for the rest of her life, at least then she could shamelessly enjoy Shin-chan's embrace.
Yukino was a little broken from the blow. She had always been chasing after her sister Haruno's footsteps, and at least she still had some hope. But now, after encountering Ai-chan, she felt like even if she gave it her all, there was no chance of winning.
'Wait, what am I even thinking? Aren't Shin-chan and I just close friends?'
"Yukinoshita-senpai, shall we go inside first? Looks like it's about to begin."
Seeing Yukino dazed out, Kazama carefully invited her.
In Kazama's view, this Yukinoshita-senpai was kind of strange, she seemed to be particularly interested in Shin-chan. But why did it feel like she was about to go dark?
"Okay."
Following behind Kazamaand Aikou, they entered the dojo's training grounds.
———
The training hall of the Musashino Dojo was quite spacious. Most of the students had temporarily left. Those who remained were all important figures.
Even now, Shin-chan hadn't shown up, which made Mizukagami Sozan feel even more uncomfortable.
Not just Mizukagami Sozan, but also the representatives from other kendo schools present were a little annoyed.
Most of the guests had already arrived, yet the supposed heir of the Musashino Dojo had still not appeared. It really felt a bit disrespectful.
No matter what, they were all elders. Having been invited by Musashino Giken to witness this test, and everyone actually showed up, but this junior still hadn't made an appearance. What was the meaning of that?
The one who spoke up came from a branch of the Jigen-ryu school, Yakumaru Jikengiri-ryu.
This school was known for producing beast-like roars during combat to intimidate their opponents.
"No need to rush, everyone. Please be patient."
Musashino Giken smiled cheerfully. Although Shin-chan hadn't arrived, he already looked as if victory was in his grasp, as if he had full confidence in today's test.
Beside Musashino Giken stood Kuki Shiden, president of the All-Japan Kendo Federation. A fierce-looking man with a cross-shaped scar on his brow, he looked like a character straight out of a movie.
"Today, I invited you all mainly to observe the test of my beloved disciple. As you may know, my hand injury is quite severe. In the future, I may never be able to wield a sword again."
Not being able to wield a sword, that was a huge blow for any kendoka. Musashino Giken wasn't young anymore, and it was simply too late to retrain his left hand.
Besides, at this age, it was indeed time to consider retirement.
Musashino Kenta had talent in kendo. He had trained from a young age and pursued a kendo path of his own.
But that wasn't enough, his talent wasn't sufficient, and his credentials were lacking. Without the recognition of the mainstream kendo circle, he would always remain a nobody.
Although Musashino Giken approved of his son and understood his pursuit of the way of the sword, the Musashino Dojo was huge, and it still had to survive.
"However, the future of the Musashino Dojo won't be broken off just like that. So please be patient for a bit longer."
Being able to mention his hand injury in front of everyone showed his determination. Everyone could feel it, so they stopped complaining and waited quietly, to see whether this was just a farce or if Musashino Giken had really found a disciple with extraordinary talent.
"This brat Shin-chan, how come he's still not here?"
Kazama was still worried at this point. Even now, Shin-chan hadn't appeared, not only Kazama, but even Musashino Kenta was worried.
He didn't know what Shin-chan was doing. From what he knew about him, he shouldn't be someone who'd mess up at such a crucial moment, right?
But everyone's worry was unnecessary.
Shin-chan had simply been picked up by Ai-chan to go change into a new outfit.
A kendoka should look the part, and Ai-chan had long prepared a beautifully tailored samurai uniform for Shin-chan to wear for today's occasion.
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