### Chapter 58: Swordsmanship Genius

"Of course," Maru Denjirō nodded and handed Fujino a stack of envelopes. "Thank you so much, Detective Fujino. You solved the case so quickly and found that despicable—"

Ding-dong, ding-dong!

The doorbell rang urgently again.

"Better go see who it is," Fujino said as he took the envelopes. "My part of the job is done."

"I'll call on you again if I have more cases," Maru Denjirō said and left the room.

"Five hundred thousand yen in hand."

Once Maru Denjirō was gone, Fujino stretched and stored the money in the system space.

*Current Balance: 1,300,000 yen*

Fujino glanced at his system balance and then opened the task interface:

*Detective Profession Task: Antique Dealer Murder Case

Task Objective: Solve the antique collector murder case by any means

Task Location: Maru Denjirō's home

Task Reward: 500,000 yen, 50 Detective Reputation Points*

"It's time to claim the remaining 500,000 yen and 50 Detective Reputation Points," Fujino thought. 

He put away his thoughts and took out a wooden sword from his shoulder bag. "With these 50 reputation points, I'll level up my detective skills…"

"Since I've returned the money, can I have my sword back now?" Suwa Yūji, dressed in a black suit, sat at a low table, glaring at Maru Denjirō.

"Oh, the sword?" Maru Denjirō replied nonchalantly, "I sold it. It wasn't worth much anyway. Let's consider the money as interest…"

Of course, Maru Denjirō hadn't sold the sword. As an antique collector, he couldn't bear to part with the famous sword, Kikyū. It was currently stored in his storage room.

Suwa Yūji's eyes widened in shock, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. In a fit of rage, he grabbed a decorative samurai sword and drew it from its scabbard.

Clang!

The metallic sound of the sword scraping against the scabbard echoed through the room.

Before he could strike, the door was kicked open, and a young man burst in, holding a wooden sword and glaring with cold, white-glinted glasses.

Suwa Yūji felt a surge of pressure as he looked at Fujino.

"Fujino-kun, help me!" Maru Denjirō scrambled to a corner of the room, pleading for Fujino's assistance.

"Your 500,000 yen protection fee will be charged separately."

"Sure!"

*Bodyguard Effect Activated*

Fujino, now fully enhanced by the system, donned his protective gear and rushed forward.

"He's quite skilled!" Suwa Yūji assessed Fujino, raising his weapon to block Fujino's attack.

Clang!

The two swords clashed, creating sparks. Suwa Yūji's carbon steel blade left a dent in Fujino's wooden sword.

"Can a wooden sword really have such an effect?" Suwa Yūji exclaimed, surprised.

He stepped back, his gaze becoming more serious. The way Fujino fought seemed to blend multiple sword styles but lacked practical experience, akin to a person using the Sozai style without mastering it.

"Let's see what you can do!"

Suwa Yūji charged forward, thrusting his sword in a strange pattern aimed at Fujino's arm. Yet, the blade deviated slightly, seemingly avoiding any serious harm.

Fujino noticed Suwa Yūji's intent and raised his wooden sword to block the attack.

Clang!

Another sharp sound rang out as the two continued their duel, moving outside into the courtyard.

"Did you hold back just now?" Fujino asked, his tone skeptical.

Suwa Yūji's previous attacks had deliberately missed vital points, revealing that he wasn't trying to kill Fujino.

"I was just temporarily blinded by anger because of Kikyū being sold," Suwa Yūji admitted, his eyes narrowing. "You're right; my sword isn't meant for killing."

"Since you're calm now, will you stop?" Fujino asked.

"I want to see your true abilities… It's rare to see such a young person wielding a wooden sword so well and understanding the art of swordsmanship deeply."

Suwa Yūji, having calmed down, no longer wished to kill Maru Denjirō. His only interest now was in Fujino's skills.

"Stop talking nonsense. That old man will be troublesome if he comes out," Fujino said, glancing behind him. "Let's put on a show to see if that old man really sold Kikyū."

"How do we do that?"

"Just follow my lead."

As they continued their staged fight, they whispered their strategy.

After a while, Fujino broke free from the stalemate and moved back to Maru Denjirō, who was cowering in the room.

"Is your sword really for killing?" Fujino asked, casting a significant look.

"You're right. My sword isn't for killing. I just want Kikyū back!" Suwa Yūji responded, raising his sword in a non-threatening manner and glaring fiercely. "This despicable man sold our family heirloom Kikyū. Even if I have to die, I'll make him pay!"

"Mr. Maru, this guy is no easy opponent…" Fujino whispered, acting weakly.

"If he doesn't return Kikyū, we might both end up dead here," Fujino said sternly.

"How could this happen…" Maru Denjirō gulped.

Fujino's words were believable. As a third-degree sword practitioner, he knew how terrifying a seventh-degree swordsman like Suwa Yūji could be.

Handing Suwa Yūji a sword could easily mean the end for both a detective and a mere third-degree swordsman.

He clenched his teeth and shouted, "I didn't sell Kikyū! It's still in my storage room! If you spare me, I'll return it!"

*End of Chapter*