Chapter 4: Shimotsuki Village: An Unexpected Surprise

Kuina, who could easily defeat adults, couldn't accept that someone younger than her and from out of town might be stronger.

She was determined to prove to Koushirou that she was the best!

But Takumi wasn't someone who could be easily provoked. He wasn't here to pick fights, and he found Kuina's challenge rather annoying.

Koushirou, with a slightly stern expression, spoke up, "Kuina, that's enough! Put down your sword!"

"Father!" Kuina protested angrily, "I want to prove to you that a girl can become a swordsman, can become the world's best! If you think he's stronger than me, then I'll beat him!"

Koushirou sighed and rubbed his temples, clearly troubled. Then, turning to Takumi, who looked unimpressed, he said, "Sorry about this. Kuina just hates losing; she means no harm."

"No worries," Takumi replied with a shrug.

The fact that Takumi remained so calm even after being challenged only made Koushirou more certain that this kid was special.

But Kuina was set on challenging Takumi, and Koushirou thought that maybe letting her face some defeat wouldn't be such a bad idea.

With that in mind, Koushirou said, "Alright, Takumi, how about you accept Kuina's challenge? Of course, there will be a reward for the winner."

He turned to Kuina. "Since you're so determined to challenge Takumi, let's make a wager. If you lose, Wado Ichimonji will belong to Takumi."

Wado Ichimonji was a famous sword, one of the 21 Great Grade Swords.

Takumi knew that, of course.

What surprised him was that Koushirou would offer such a valuable sword as the prize for a simple match between children...

Kuina couldn't believe it. "Father, but Wado Ichimonji is..."

"I know," Koushirou interrupted. "This is the risk you take if you insist on challenging Takumi. If you're afraid of losing it, then give up the challenge."

A true swordsman should never let fear hold them back.

Especially in a fight—letting fear creep in can have disastrous consequences.

Kuina glared at Takumi, her eyes filled with defiance and anger. "I won't lose. I challenge you!"

Takumi honestly didn't want to accept this pointless challenge, even if it meant winning a famous sword.

Seeing that Takumi wasn't interested in fighting, Koushirou smiled and added, "If you win, not only will you get Wado Ichimonji, but I'll also give you ten jars of aged sake, brewed with a special technique and sealed for nearly a decade."

Takumi's eyes flickered with interest. "Make it twenty jars."

"I only have fifteen. You can have them all."

"Deal."

With that, Takumi agreed to Kuina's challenge.

The kids in the dojo, including Zoro, quickly gathered around to watch.

"Go, Kuina! You're the best in the dojo! Take him down!"

"Yeah, show this outsider what our dojo can do!"

"Just like you do with Zoro, knock him out with one strike!"

Zoro grumbled, "Hey! Stop dragging me into this!"

In the center of the dojo...

"Alright, everyone, settle down," Koushirou instructed. "Kuina, Takumi, get ready to start."

Takumi walked over to the rack of practice swords in the corner of the dojo and casually picked up a bamboo sword.

For a match like this, he didn't see the need to use Lake Toya.

According to the dojo's rules, before a sparring match, both participants had to bow to the shrine and to each other.

After the formalities, the two faced off.

Kuina, gripping her bamboo sword, looked at Takumi with fierce determination. "I won't lose!"

"Bring it on," Takumi replied calmly.

With a shout, Kuina charged at Takumi, her bamboo sword slashing through the air as she aimed several powerful strikes at his face. Her speed was impressive, and each blow was fueled by her frustration.

But Takumi easily blocked each one.

Realizing she couldn't break through his defense, Kuina adjusted her angle, striking from below and then sweeping horizontally, trying to knock the sword out of Takumi's hand.

Just as it seemed Takumi was preparing to block again, Kuina suddenly spun around, appearing behind him and delivering a fierce downward strike.

Kuina's sword skills were decent compared to most people.

But to Takumi, she was still too slow, with too many openings.

He decided to end it quickly.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Takumi spun around and, to Kuina's surprise, disarmed her with a single, swift strike, sending her bamboo sword flying across the dojo floor.

The entire match lasted only a few seconds.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, the dojo erupted.

"No way! Kuina lost?"

"How is that possible? Kuina's unbeatable! She can even defeat adults, so how did she lose to an outsider?"

"What the heck? Who is this guy...?"

Koushirou glanced at Kuina, who stood there in shock, and announced the result, "Point, Takumi wins."

Takumi tossed the bamboo sword back into the rack.

Snapping out of her daze, Kuina grabbed her fallen sword and shouted, "No! I'm not done yet! Let's go again! I'm not giving up Wado Ichimonji!"

"Kuina, you've lost!" Koushirou's voice was firm as he scolded her in front of everyone. "No matter how many times you try, you won't beat Takumi. Can't you see the difference in your skill levels?"

Tears welled up in Kuina's eyes as she clenched her fists. Unable to accept her defeat, she ran out of the dojo.

"Hey, Kuina!" Zoro called after her and quickly followed.

"That girl..." Koushirou muttered, shaking his head. Then he addressed the other students, "That's enough practice for today. Everyone, go home and rest."

"Yes, Sensei!" The kids bowed to Koushirou, then left the dojo, chattering excitedly about what had just happened.

Once they were alone, Koushirou turned to Takumi. "Come with me."

Takumi nodded.

He followed Koushirou to the tea room in the back of the dojo.

The two sat across from each other at a small table. On it were a pot of freshly brewed tea and a bottle of fine sake, releasing a subtle, fragrant aroma.

Koushirou handed Takumi a sword with a white hilt and sheath. Despite its simple appearance, it radiated a powerful presence. "From now on, this sword is yours."

This was Wado Ichimonji.

Takumi accepted it without hesitation and hung it next to Lake Toya on his belt.

Then they each picked up their cups—Takumi with sake, Koushirou with tea—and took a drink.

The sake Koushirou had mentioned was indeed excellent. It wasn't particularly strong but had a clean, cherry blossom flavor that was refreshing and delightful.

Takumi found it quite enjoyable.

"How do you like it?" Koushirou asked with a smile. "This sake is brewed using a special technique passed down from a very unique place. You can't find it anywhere else."

"Not bad," Takumi nodded in approval.

Just then, the system's voice echoed in his mind.

[Ding! Drank and conversed with Koushirou. Progress increased by 10%. Current total progress: 30%. Reward: Swordsmanship level increased by 1. Current Swordsmanship level: 3.]

As soon as Takumi's swordsmanship reached Level 3, his entire demeanor sharpened.

A powerful yet invisible sword aura radiated from him, expanding outwards before quickly dissipating.

Takumi was briefly surprised.

He hadn't expected that simply sharing a drink with Koushirou would accidentally help him complete a portion of the check-in progress.

It really was an unexpected surprise.