"You've really never dated before? They say if you stay single until thirty, you become a wizard. Master, why didn't you use that power to become a swordsmanship grandmaster?"
"Ah? What kind of lame, cliché manga plot are you talking about? If just being single until thirty could make you a master, then everyone in Neon would be a sword saint."
"I'm currently 7th-dan in swordsmanship, which is already not easy, and that's only because my father pulled some strings to get me through the exam."
In this world, swordsmanship is not taken seriously, and both the exams and ranking systems for swordsmanship have undergone major changes.
To attract more public attention and expand the influence of swordsmanship, competitions were split into modern swordsmanship and classical swordsmanship.
Modern swordsmanship refers to wearing protective gear, holding wooden swords, and striking valid areas to score points and determine the winner.
Classical swordsmanship, however, uses unsharpened katanas in matches, with stronger visual impact and greater competitiveness, even matches to the death using sharpened famous swords are recognized.
Practicing modern swordsmanship can only earn you up to 6th-dan; only classical swordsmanship allows you to participate in exams above 7th-dan. The highest you can go is 9th-dan, and beyond that are titles like "Menkyokaiden" and "Swordsmanship Master."
Unfortunately, in modern-day, not a single person has managed to conquer the dojos of all major schools to become a "sword saint."
Musashino Kenta's strength clearly surpasses the 7th-dan level, but all walks of life are highly cliquish and exclusionary.
The most obvious example is the agricultural association here. Supposedly to protect farmers' interests, but in reality, the money all goes to capitalists, causing regular people to pay ridiculously high prices just to eat vegetables.
Swordsmanship training not only has exams but also time and age requirements. Unless you can defeat a higher-ranked examiner, it's extremely hard to get promoted.
Of course, there are other ways, like if your connections are strong enough, you can sneak in through the back door.
"Ah? Only 7th-dan? That's way too weak."
Shin-chan looked disgusted, but he also knew that in this world, because swordsmanship isn't valued and involves huge interests, leveling up ranks is very difficult.
"You little punk, you're not even 1st-dan, and you're talking smack! Be glad that Jade Dragon Banner doesn't have rank restrictions."
As they chatted, the two had already arrived in front of the dojo.
[Musashino: Kyoshin Meichi-ryu Style.]
A few large characters, boldly written in flying-dragon style, were hung on the main entrance plaque. Judging by the calligraphy, they likely came from a well-known calligrapher.
"When can I switch to the 'My Own Style'?"
Musashino Kenta looked at the plaque and couldn't help but mumble to himself.
Beside him, Shin-chan shook his head. His master really didn't get it. It must've been some conflict with his father during childhood that made him always want to prove himself.
Conflicts between father and son are the hardest to deal with.
They passed through the grand entrance and crossed a luxurious courtyard, a very traditional Japanese garden, looking rather poetic.
Shin-chan wasn't very interested in this style. A courtyard like this would cost a fortune to maintain every year, an astronomical number from his perspective.
"Shin-chan, my father has a pretty serious personality, so be on your best behavior." Worried about Shin-chan's character, Musashino Kenta reminded him.
They didn't enter the dojo directly but followed a small path through the courtyard to a residential house behind it.
"Father…"
In front of the residence, an old man with gray hair, dressed in a patterned swordsmanship uniform, stood with his back to them. His figure was still sturdy, but his back gave off a kind of "faded hero" vibe. When he heard Kenta's voice, he slowly turned around.
"Father, this is my disciple, Nohara Shinnosuke. He possesses unimaginable talent in swordsmanship." Musashino Kenta's voice was full of pride. He fully believed in Shin-chan's talent.
"Shin-chan, this is my father, Musashino Giken."
Musashino Giken didn't respond to his son but instead stared seriously at Shin-chan.
Musashino Giken also kept long hair, along with a well-groomed beard, appearing far more proper than Musashino Kenta.
He stared at Shin-chan without saying a word, and the atmosphere instantly grew heavy. Having trained in swordsmanship for many years, both Musashino father and son had extremely intense presences.
Musashino Kenta stood in front of Shin-chan facing off against his father. Their auras clashed, both refusing to back down.
"Sigh." Suddenly, Musashino Giken let out a sigh.
"Shin-chan, right? Because of injuries and some other reasons, I can no longer wield a sword. Even swinging a wooden sword is difficult now."
"Since you're a disciple he approves of, I'll give you a chance. Show me your talent. As long as you can earn my recognition, you'll be the successor of the Musashino dojo."
Shin-chan frowned. Something felt off. Could it be these two already realized he's a born sword prodigy? Why are they both so eager to hand the dojo over to him?
Seeing his father mention his injuries, Musashino Kenta also looked a bit gloomy. To train in swordsmanship your entire life, only to be unable to wield a sword in old age, this is the greatest blow a swordsman can suffer.
"Kenta should've told you. If we can get a placement in the Jade Dragon Banner, it'll be a big help for our dojo. Come with me. Let me see your temperament."
Musashino Giken's tone was very gentle. He looked at Shin-chan like a senior addressing a junior. He seemed to trust Shin-chan more than his own son.
Musashino Giken walked ahead. Shin-chan and Musashino Kenta followed behind him.
"Kenta should've told you about the situation at our dojo. That kid does have some talent, but he can't calm down. He's always trying to learn some finishing move. Does he think this is a video game?"
His father's criticism made Musashino Kenta extremely awkward. He scratched his head and gave a dry laugh.
"I don't know your exact swordsmanship level, but since this kid recognizes you, I'll definitely train you seriously. Our dojo may not be the strongest, but our style has a lot of artistic flair, so it's popular among the upper class. You don't need high ranks, just maintain appearances."
Shin-chan didn't respond. In his heart, he'd come to understand this stubborn father and son duo.
Both were the type to say one thing and feel another, refusing to lower their heads. If he allowed Kenta to go off and travel for so many years, how could he not love his son?
At the very least, Shin-chan believed Musashino Giken had been secretly watching over Kenta all along.
They didn't walk far before reaching the dojo. Several people were practicing swordsmanship inside.
"You didn't bring a sword?" Musashino Giken looked at Shin-chan and asked.
Generally, those who train in swordsmanship will have a custom-made sword, whether wooden or metal. Everyone's habits and physical conditions differ. The length and balance of a sword all affect how it's wielded.
"Ever since I parted ways with my master, I haven't trained in swordsmanship again."
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