"The Council of Swordsmen?" Mamoru repeated, leaning forward, his voice tinged with intrigue. His eyes lit up like a boy hearing a grand story for the first time.
Even Gyomei, who rarely understood the finer details of Wano's history, lifted his head attentively. Onimaru's ears perked up, tail giving a faint wag. All of them were drawn in.
Ushimaru nodded slowly, his hands folded neatly before him, though his tone carried both reverence and excitement.
"Yes. The Council of Swordsmen was said to be a gathering of the greatest swordsmen in the world at that time. Their skill, their philosophy, their strength ,peerless. But records tell little of their fate. Only that they encountered an enemy of such overwhelming power that not even they could overcome it."
Mamoru's mouth fell slightly open. The idea that the strongest swordsmen in the world had been defeated by something so great ,it sent a chill down his spine.
"I searched for more about Nichirin here in our clan's archives," Ushimaru continued, voice steady, "but the trail ended in fragments. So, I traveled to Hakumai, to Lord Yasui's records. There, we uncovered more… and something invaluable."
He leaned in, his composure breaking for a moment as excitement bled into his voice.
"We found Nichirin's journal. Imagine that. The words of an ancestor, preserved through centuries. A miracle."
Gyomei's eyes widened. "A journal? From that long ago , Truly?" His voice, low and rough, carried disbelief.
"Where is it?!" Mamoru blurted, unable to hide his eagerness. Even Onimaru barked sharply as if echoing his master's excitement.
Ushimaru chuckled, raising a hand to calm them. "It rests in my study. Time has taken its toll, and many pages are lost. But enough remains to reveal a level of swordsmanship far beyond anything you could yet grasp. You may read it but not act upon it yet. The level of swordsmanship is far beyond your level fat the moment . Which means…" Ushimaru's gaze hardened, his eyes sharp as steel. "…we must elevate your training."
Mamoru clenched his fists, his heart pounding. He thought of Kaido, of the factories spreading through Wano, of Oden's burning will and his father's faith. He straightened, fire in his voice.
"Then I'll train harder than ever. I'll be as great of swordsman than Ryuma himself , even greater than him . I swear it."
A smile touched Ushimaru's lips small but proud. "That's the spirit I hoped to hear."
For a moment, the room warmed with that conviction. Then Ushimaru's face darkened as his thoughts turned.
"After securing the journal, I returned to Ringo. But what awaited me was devastation. Bodies strewn, the black blade Shusui gone, Ryuma's resting place desecrated. My anger knew no bounds and to make it worse " his jaw tightened, "it was Kaido himself who struck down those who dared oppose him . I learnt that the one who stood against him was a pirate from beyond Wano who called himself Kozuki Moria."
Mamoru and Gyomei lowered their heads, the weight of his words heavy. Onimaru let out a soft whine.
"He and his crew were obliterated. No remains left to mourn. Hearing of his courage ,how he stood against a great foe like Kaido when none else could ,I could not let his sacrifice be forgotten. I built him a tomb in the Eternal Graveyard, honoring him as a hero of Ringo."
Silence fell. Mamoru pressed his hands together, eyes closed. Gyomei bowed his head. Even Onimaru dipped his snout respectfully. A short prayer passed among them, wordless but heartfelt.
When Ushimaru lifted his eyes again, they fell on Gyomei. He studied the young man broad-shouldered, scarred by grief but still standing. A man who has every reason to crumble and chooses to move forward. Such a man will one day become great.
"And you, Gyomei" Ushimaru said at last, his tone gentler now. "What path will you walk from here?"
Gyomei's face softened, though his voice was firm. "I will follow Mamoru. He was the one who believed in me when no one else did. If he walks a path, then I will guard it at his side."
Ushimaru raised a brow. "As a retainer?"
Gyomei bowed his head deeply. "Yes."
A smile spread slowly across Ushimaru's face. "Then I welcome it. My son could ask for no greater shield."
Mamoru blinked, his mouth twisting. "Wait, wait, wait. Isn't anyone going to ask what I think about this?" He crossed his arms, feigning offense.
Gyomei tilted his head, deadpan. "But… I thought you already agreed."
"No, I didn't!" Mamoru snapped, cheeks puffing.
Onimaru barked once. Mamoru pointed at him in disbelief. "Not you too!"
The fox barked again, tail wagging, before lunging playfully at Mamoru and knocking him to the mat.
Pinned beneath fur and laughter, Mamoru threw up his hands in defeat. "Alright, alright! Fine , you can be my retainer, Gyomei!" He turned his face away, but the smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.
Gyomei clasped his hands together, tears brimming and spilling freely down his cheeks. His voice trembled with emotion.
"I will not disappoint. I will follow you to the ends of this world, Lord Mamoru. Ami no bi datsu."
Mamoru groaned, covering his face. "Hey, hey , don't cry like that. And stop calling me 'Lord.' You'll make me sound like some old man!"
Onimaru barked in pure excitement, circling them as if to celebrate.
Ushimaru's chest shook, and then he let out a rare, unrestrained laugh. Watching his son, Gyomei, and Onimaru tumbling together, his heart eased for the first time in weeks.
"Yes…" he murmured to himself, smiling at the sight. "This house will be lively indeed."