After Musashi and the other four old men exited the mansion hall, Sanada's gaze fell upon a young man in the courtyard, patiently training a handful of children in the art of the sword.
The young man was quite handsome, with long black hair tied into a ponytail. His dark eyes contrasted against his fair skin, and his elegant features were complemented by a lean, muscular physique.
He was dressed in a black kimono with red lining, its colors sharp and austere. His name was Sasuke Shiba, a retainer in Sanada's service.
Sanada's lips curved into a gentle smile upon seeing him, and he called out to him.
"Sasuke-kun, come over here?"
The young man turned toward Sanada and walked forward, bowing respectfully to him and the others before raising his voice to speak.
"My lord, how may I be of service to you?"
Sanada's gaze softened, a faint smile touching his lips as he looked at Sasuke. When his clan was expelled from Wano, Sasuke's father and his entire family had followed him without a moment's doubt. No matter how much he tried to persuade them to remain behind, their loyalty to him and his clan was unwavering and stubborn.
"You don't have to be so formal with me, my boy. I've seen you grow up with these old eyes of mine. You're like a son to me, Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke smiled gently and gave Sanada a small nod. Sanada then raised a finger, pointing at Ryu as he addressed Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun, would you mind helping this kid register for the competition?"
The sight of Ryu's tender age caused Sasuke's eyes to widen, he then turned to Sanada and asked.
"My Lord, isn't this child too young to compete in this competition?"
Sanada chuckled in amusement at Sasuke's question, while Musashi scowled in displeasure.
"This kid's name is Ryu-kun; he's Musashi-kun's grandson. Musashi wants Ryu-kun to gain experience, which is why he wants him to participate in this competition."
Sasuke noticed the gleam in Sanada, Date, Oda, and Harada's eyes and he couldn't help but smirk in amusement.
'This competition is going to be so interesting; I'm sure Sanada-sama and the others will be betting against each other.'
He then turned to Ryu and gave him a kind smile.
"Follow me, Ryu-kun. The registration desk is just ahead, we need to register you for the competition.'
With a smile and a nod, Ryu fell into step beside Sasuke as they headed for the registry desk.
Date's eyes followed Sasuke and Ryu as they retreated, his expression bright with amusement, and he then addressed Musashi and the others.
"We should go see Isshin-san now; he's in the guest hall."
With a snort, Musashi nodded, and alongside the other three, he turned and strode toward the guest hall.
______
With Sasuke and Ryu
The registry desk was crowded with children when Sasuke and Ryu arrived, all waiting patiently—or impatiently—for their chance to sign up for the competition.
Ryu was taken aback by how many children were eager to register for the competition. He turned to Sasuke and asked,
"Sasuke-san, there are so many kids registering for this competition. Is the Young Talent Swordsmanship Competition really this popular in our village?"
Sasuke smiled kindly at Ryu and, after glancing at the children registering for the competition, he responded.
"Thanks to the increasing number of dojos in our village, the Young Talent Swordsmanship Competition has become more popular with every passing year."
"Last year, the Talent Swordsmanship Competition had 70 participants, but this year the number has risen to 100. This year competition is going to be really interesting."
Ryu's eyes widened at the news, and a small smile crept onto his face—he was genuinely excited and could hardly wait for the competition to begin.
His turn came after half an hour, and with Sasuke guiding him, he completed his registration and was assigned tag number 99.
Sasuke then looked at Ryu with a smile and said.
"Ryu-kun, don't lose this tag. It will be your identification number for the entire competition. Do you understand?"
Ryu nodded his head in understanding after hearing Sasuke explaination.
"I understand Sasuke-san."
Sasuke smiled kindly after hearing Ryu's response.
"Alright, I'm off. Give it your all in the competition, kid. I'll be rooting for you."
Ryu smiled widely and nodded to Sasuke.
Sasuke let out a soft chuckle, then turned and walked away from the registry desk.
______
With Musashi
"On the balcony of the mansion sat Musashi and the others, alongside a muscular old man who puffed thoughtfully on his pipe.
The man was Isshin, the famous blacksmith of Wano. Sanada sat beside him, smiling, and said:
"Isshin-san, I'm glad you made it. I'm happy you accepted my invitation."
Isshin scowled at Sanada, his gaze full of disdain towards him.
Isshin face was lined with deep wrinkles, his skin tanned from years in the sun, and he wore a worn, brown kimono.
"Don't misunderstand me, Sanada. I only came to use one of those great ores to forge a katana and fulfill my lifelong ambition—nothing more."
Musashi and the others chuckled at his words, but before anyone could reply, Sasuke entered the balcony and knelt respectfully before Sanada.
"Sanada-sama, as you instructed, Ryu-kun has successfully registered for the competition."
Sanada smiled, nodded in satisfaction, and then asked.
"What tag number had he received, Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke smiled in amusement and replied.
"Number 99, my Lord."
Musashi and the others smirked in amusement. Noticing their reaction, Isshin looked utterly confused and asked.
"What's wrong with you five old fools? Why are you looking so excited over this pathetic competition? It's just a contest for snot-nosed brats."
Date burst out laughing at Isshin's words and began explaining.
"Musashi's grandson will be participating in this year's competition. He is only three years old, and we are eager to see his performance."
Isshin's eyes widened for a brief moment, and then he gave a small smile.
'This trip might not be a waste of my time.'
______
With Sanada
After an hour, Sanada left the balcony and stepped into the center of the largest fighting arena outside the mansion. He smiled at the participants and the audience gathered to watch the competition, then spoke in a clear, commanding voice.
"Greetings to everyone. I warmly welcome all our citizens, as well as the guests who have traveled from afar."
"This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Young Talent Swordsmanship Competition, held annually in Commy Village."
"My name is Sanada Yukimura, head of the Yukimura Clan here in Commy Village."
"I will now start explaining the Young Talent Swordsmanship Competition to all of you."
"First there will be preliminary round."
"The preliminary round will take place in the small fighting arenas you see around me."
"The participants will be chosen by a draw of lots."
"After the preliminary round ends, only eight participants will remain to compete in the final rounds in the grand arena I am standing on."
"The winner of this competition will be gifted a katana, crafted from one of the ten great ores by Isshin-san, widely celebrated as one of Wano's finest blacksmiths today."
All the participants, the citizens of Commy Village, and the visiting guests began cheering loudly.
At that moment, a maid stepped onto the fighting arena where Sanada was standing, carrying a small box, followed by Sasuke.
They stood next to Sanada who was smiling widely to the audience.
"Now, let's begin the draw to start the Young Talent Swordsmanship Competition."
"CHEEEEEEEERS."
The audience erupted into loud cheers as Sasuke began drawing the numbers from the box the maid was holding.
______
Poll
A) Mc create his own crew (1)
B) Mc join Hawkeye crew
C) Mc join red-haired pirates (3)
D) Mc join revolutionary army (1)
Note: One of you guys decided to change his vote so I fixed this poll please keep voting this vote will be open until Ryu goes to sea.