"You really haven't been in love, have you? They say if you stay single until thirty, you become a wizard. Master, why didn't you use that power to become a Kendo master?"
"Huh? What kind of cliché manga nonsense is that? If staying single until thirty could make someone a master, then all of Japan would be full of Kendo masters."
"I'm currently Kendo Seventh Dan, which is already extremely difficult to achieve. Even then, my father had to pull some strings for the assessment."
This world placed great importance on kendo, and over time, the ranking and assessment system had undergone significant changes.
To attract more attention and expand kendo's influence, competitions were divided into two main categories: Modern Kendo and Ancient Kendo.
Modern Kendo involved wearing protective armor and wielding bamboo swords, with victory determined by scoring valid strikes on effective target areas.
Ancient Kendo, on the other hand, involved sparring with unsharpened steel swords.
It offered far stronger visual impact and much higher intensity.
Even life-and-death duels using sharpened famous blades were officially recognized.
Practicing only Modern Kendo capped one's advancement at Sixth Dan.
To participate in assessments beyond Seventh Dan, one had to practice Ancient Kendo, with the highest attainable ranks being Ninth Dan, followed by the legendary titles of Menkyo Kaiden and Kendo Meijin.
Unfortunately, in modern Japan, no one had yet managed to challenge and defeat all major schools to earn the title of true "Kendo Master."
Musashino Kenta's actual ability was certainly above Seventh Dan, but in Japan, every profession was deeply cliquish and exclusive.
A perfect example was the agricultural association—nominally meant to protect farmers, but in reality, all the profits were swallowed by capital interests.
Ordinary people ended up paying absurd prices just to buy vegetables and fruit.
Kendo was no different.
Aside from formal assessments, promotion also required sufficient years of practice and meeting strict age requirements.
Unless one could directly defeat a higher-ranked examiner, advancing was extremely difficult.
Of course, there were other methods as well—such as strong connections and backdoor arrangements.
"Huh? Only Seventh Dan?" Nohara Shin Chan said with obvious disdain. "Isn't that kind of weak?"
That said, he understood perfectly well that in a world where kendo carried both prestige, advancing through the ranks was no simple matter.
"You little brat," Musashino Kenta snapped. "You're not even First Dan, and you're criticizing me? Luckily, the Gyokuryūki doesn't have rank restrictions."
As they talked, the two arrived in front of the dojo.
Musashi Kyōshin Meichi-ryū.
Several grand, flowing characters were engraved on the main plaque, clearly written by a renowned calligrapher.
"When are you going to change it to 'My Own Style'?" Musashino Kenta muttered under his breath as he stared at the signboard.
Standing beside him, Shin Chan shook his head.
His master was far too easy to read. There must have been serious conflict with his father when he was younger—no wonder he was so eager to prove himself.
Conflicts between fathers and sons were always the hardest to resolve.
They entered through the main gate and passed into an expansive, luxurious courtyard. It was a classic Japanese garden, elegant and meticulously maintained.
Shin Chan, however, had little interest in this aesthetic. Just the annual maintenance costs alone would be astronomical.
"Shin Chan, my father has a very stern personality," Musashino Kenta said quietly. "You'd better be careful."
Knowing Shin Chan's temperament, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Instead of entering the dojo directly, they followed a small path through the courtyard and arrived at the residence behind it.
"Father…"
Standing before the residence was an elderly man with white hair, wearing a floral-patterned kendo uniform.
His back was straight and powerful, yet it carried the unmistakable aura of a hero in his twilight years.
Hearing Musashino Kenta's voice, the man slowly turned around.
"Father, this is my disciple, Nohara Shin Chan," Musashino Kenta said proudly. "He possesses unimaginable kendo talent."
His confidence in Shin Chan was absolute.
"Shin Chan, this is my father—Musashi Geiken."
Musashi Geiken didn't respond to his son. Instead, his sharp gaze locked directly onto Shin Chan.
Like his son, Musashi Geiken also had long hair and a beard, though his was neatly groomed and far more orderly.
He stared silently at Shin Chan, and the atmosphere instantly grew heavy.
Having practiced kendo for decades, both father and son possessed incredibly sharp auras.
Musashino Kenta instinctively stepped in front of Shin Chan, confronting his father head-on. Their presences rose steadily, neither side willing to give way.
"…Sigh."
At last, Musashi Geiken let out a sigh.
"Shin Chan, is it? Due to an old injury, I can no longer wield a sword. Even swinging a wooden one has become difficult."
"Since you are a disciple this fool recognizes, I will give you a chance. Show me your talent."
"If you can earn my approval, you will become the successor of Musashi Dojo."
Shin Chan frowned slightly. Something about this felt off.
Did these father and son already sense that he was a natural-born kendo master? Why did they both insist on pushing the dojo onto him?
Hearing his father mention his injury, Musashino Kenta felt a stab of sadness.
To devote one's entire life to kendo, only to lose the ability to wield a sword in old age—that was the cruelest blow imaginable for a swordsman.
"Kenta should've told you," Musashi Geiken continued calmly, "that if possible, placing well in the Gyokuryūki would greatly benefit our dojo."
"Come with me. Let me see your spirit."
His tone was gentle, filled with the authority of an elder. In his eyes, Shin Chan already seemed far more reliable than his own son.
Musashi Geiken walked ahead, with Shin Chan and Musashino Kenta following behind.
"Kenta should've explained the situation of our dojo to you."
"That kid has talent, but he can't settle down. Always obsessed with creating some ultimate move. Does he really think reality works like a game?"
His blunt complaints made Musashino Kenta extremely embarrassed. He scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
"Although I don't yet know your true strength," Musashi Geiken said, "since you're someone this kid acknowledges, I will train you seriously."
"Our dojo isn't the strongest, but our style emphasizes artistry, which makes it very popular among high society.
You two don't need extremely high ranks—just maintaining appearances will be enough."
Shin Chan didn't respond, but he now understood the stubborn nature of both father and son a little better.
They were both the type to say one thing while meaning another, neither willing to back down.
If Musashi Geiken had truly allowed Musashino Kenta to wander freely for so many years, how could he not care about his son?
At the very least, Shin Chan was certain that Musashi Geiken had been secretly keeping an eye on Musashino Kenta all along.
After only a few more steps, they arrived inside the dojo. Numerous practitioners were already training inside.
"You didn't bring a sword?" Musashi Geiken asked, looking at Shin Chan.
Generally speaking, kendo practitioners customized swords specifically for themselves—whether wooden or steel.
Everyone had different habits and physical conditions. Blade length, weight, and center of gravity could all significantly affect one's swing.
"Since parting ways with my master," Shin Chan said calmly, "I haven't practiced kendo again."
...
Author's Note – New Patreon Tier: Story Seeker (18+)
I've added a new Patreon tier called Story Seeker (18+).
This tier is intended for adult readers (18+) and includes mature themes and smut content. Please join only if you enjoy this type of material.
What this tier includes:
Everything from the lower tiers
Access to the same fanfics and original novels
Exclusive 18+ smut chapters available only here
If you're looking for more mature content and exclusive adult chapters, this tier is for you.
👉 Join here: patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
As a bonus, I've also uploaded a free fanfic for this month today for all readers to enjoy.
Thank you for your continued support. 💙