"Coach, I really can't do it!"
On the way to the kendo hall, Zhang Han tried to use his eloquent tongue to persuade Ono Binchi. He couldn't fight, nor could he spar with the guys at the kendo hall.
Ono Binchi ignored him and led him directly inside to find the Director.
"Kawamura, I need a favor. Find one of your disciples to practice with this kid. He's a beginner, so remember to go easy on him."
"Isn't this Zhang Han? Has the young man come to his senses? Is he quitting baseball to switch to kendo?"
"Are you crazy, old man? What do you mean 'baseball with no future'? How many people make money playing baseball versus kendo? I'm too embarrassed to say it, but don't you know the answer yourself?"
Ono Binchi retorted directly.
Zhang Han knew the Director of this kendo hall. He and Ono Binchi were on the same adult baseball team that dominated West Tokyo. However, Zhang Han had never known that this third batter was actually the Director of a kendo hall.
Director Kawamura called over a disciple and asked him to spar with Zhang Han. He was curious about what Ono Binchi was trying to do.
"You brought young Zhang Han over. What are you testing?"
They were friends, and Kawamura was half an insider. He could somewhat guess Ono Binchi's purpose.
"Don't go poking your nose into things for no reason. Just open your eyes and watch carefully."
"What's there to see? Young Zhang Han is a complete novice. Although our school's kendo hall isn't strong, dealing with a novice is effortless."
"If you don't believe me, let's make a bet. I bet your disciple won't be able to score three points on Zhang Han within 10 minutes."
"What are the stakes?"
Director Kawamura eagerly agreed. Opportunities to win against Ono Binchi were rare.
"Whatever you want!"
Ono Binchi focused his attention on the floor.
The student sparring with Zhang Han was named Yamanaka, one of the three most talented players in the hall. He was quite frustrated.
The Director was very easygoing, letting him practice with Zhang Han. For Yamanaka, however, it was difficult to accept practicing with an amateur. If he didn't show his strength, people would say he wasn't skilled. If he used full effort, it would look like bullying.
It was a trap.
However, since the Director had given the order, Yamanaka had no choice. He gritted his teeth and stepped forward.
"Please guide me!"
"Please guide me!"
After exchanging bows, both sides took their positions.
Zhang Han's stance was loose and sloppy; anyone with eyes could tell he was an amateur.
"He's full of openings!"
Seeing Zhang Han's stance, Yamanaka let go of his last bit of caution. An expert's first move reveals everything. He knew the person in front of him was a true amateur. To deal with him, one move would be enough. But this was a test, so he couldn't be too harsh. He would score little by little.
"Start!"
With the referee's command, both sides moved.
Tokyo kendo, unlike Western fencing, doesn't have as many rules, especially in private sparring.
At first, Yamanaka was polite. He wanted Zhang Han to attack first. But after waiting, Zhang Han showed no intention of attacking. He seemed to have some self-awareness.
Yamanaka smiled to himself and made the first move.
He lunged forward. In the blink of an eye, he was next to Zhang Han.
This action startled Ono Binchi. Yamanaka's movements were simply too fast. Even watching from the side, the opponent's movements were frighteningly agile.
"Don't underestimate my disciple!"
Kawamura smiled widely. He loved seeing Ono Binchi's shocked expression.
But what happened next left him dumbfounded.
Just as the wooden sword in Yamanaka's hand was about to touch Zhang Han, Zhang Han suddenly rolled awkwardly, narrowly dodging the attack.
He dodged it!
The three people watching were shaken.
Although Zhang Han's movement wasn't graceful—it was even a bit clumsy—he dodged it. He wasn't touched.
"A bit interesting!"
A look of surprise flashed in Yamanaka's eyes. Even so, his next movement didn't stop. He followed up with another lunge.
Zhang Han seemed prepared. He brought his wooden sword across horizontally.
"Clang!"
The swords clashed, and the wooden sword in Zhang Han's hand flew out.
"One point!"
Director Kawamura said with a smile.
Zhang Han stared blankly at his right hand. The opponent's strength was immense. Holding the sword with one hand versus two really made a difference.
When the match resumed, Zhang Han gripped the wooden sword with both hands.
This time, Yamanaka's attack was even more ferocious. But Zhang Han managed to deftly dodge, and if he couldn't dodge, he blocked with both hands. Although it was difficult, the sword wasn't knocked out of his hand again.
In 10 minutes, including the disarm, Zhang Han was only touched three times.
Ono Binchi lost the bet by a narrow margin, but he was very satisfied with the result. He finally understood why Ichidai Third High School and Seido High School were so optimistic about Zhang Han's potential.
Knowing the direction, he already had a plan for Zhang Han's future training. He had more confidence in the boy. This kid's future was limitless.
During this process, there was a small interlude. Kawamura, who was originally just joking, actually tried to poach talent.
"Xiao Han, are you interested in learning kendo?"
"He doesn't have the time, nor the interest. Do you think this is the Warring States period, where a samurai with a sword can do whatever he wants?"
Ono Binchi dragged him away. Learning kendo was simply nonsensical.
Half a year later, it was the season for new student enrollment again.
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From this coming week I have decided to start a little initiative. For every 50 power stones donated to the book I will release an extra chapter that very moment on top of that day 2 chapters.
Remember For Every 50 Power Stones An Extra Chapter.
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