Chapter 36: Yagyū? (BONUS)
Satoshi pondered for a few seconds before shaking his head.
"I just finished forging Suzumushi, and I'm feeling a bit off. You guys go ahead! Just let me know how it turns out when you get back."
Yawning, Satoshi ushered Shunichi and the others out of the forge, greeted Takuya briefly, then lay down on his bed and closed his eyes to rest.
The reason Satoshi didn't go to the dojo was partly due to exhaustion, but more importantly, he wanted to run an experiment, he wanted to see if distance affected his connection with Suzumushi.
After all, the kendo dojo was quite far from the forge.
If he could still see everything happening there through Suzumushi, it would be no different from witnessing the match in person.
---
Inside the dojo, a broad-shouldered middle-aged man stood impatiently. His black kimono was immaculate, and his presence was like an unsheathed blade, sharp and dangerous.
This man was none other than Yagyū Saemon, the master of Yagyū Shinkage-ryu.
"I had high expectations for the Gojo Kyokushin-ryu's hospitality, but I didn't expect the Gojo family to have grown so arrogant," Yagyū Saemon remarked, his voice filled with irritation.
It was true that challenging someone at their own dojo wasn't the most polite approach, but once a challenge was accepted, proper etiquette had to be followed.
Gojo Kumaen and Yagyū Yusuke were already present as official witnesses.
Had it not been for Gojo Shunichi's well-known pride, Yagyū Saemon might have suspected that he had fled altogether.
"Saemon, have some patience. We are guests," an old man sitting beside Gojo Kumaen interjected.
Between sorcerer families, the gap between the Yagyū and Gojo clans was vast. If not for their kendo heritage, the Yagyū wouldn't even be qualified to sit in the same room as the Gojo family.
Yusuke, head of the Yagyū family, had mixed feelings about this duel.
On one hand, he wanted Saemon to win and secure a place among the Four Great Kendo Masters.
On the other hand, he worried that defeating Gojo Kyokushin-ryu would provoke the Gojo family.
Still, after much deliberation, Yusuke ultimately approved Saemon's challenge.
Compared to the ever-growing influence of the Gojo family, bolstered by the Six Eyes, the Yagyū clan's standing had weakened considerably.
If they failed to establish themselves through kendo, the Yagyū risked becoming an irrelevant name among the sorcerer clans.
This match wasn't just about Saemon's personal status, it was about the Yagyū family's place in the world of sorcery.
---
Gojo Kumaen sat silently, deep in thought.
He had a strong suspicion about why Shunichi hadn't shown up yet.
It was obvious, Shunichi was still with Satoru and Satoshi.
This so-called kendo master of the Gojo family had completely forgotten where his true roots lay.
Did Shunichi really think he had achieved his status in the family without the support of the Twin Curse Faction?
Kumaen had even arranged for him to receive an exemption from punishment, and this was how he repaid him?
Kumaen's expression grew darker and darker.
As time dragged on, the atmosphere in the dojo became increasingly tense.
Not just Saemon, but all the disciples of Gojo Kyokushin-ryu could feel Kumaen's displeasure.
Just when he was about to lash out, hurried footsteps echoed outside the dojo.
The doors swung open, revealing Shunichi.
Kumaen was just about to reprimand him when his words caught in his throat.
A figure followed closely behind Shunichi, one that made Kumaen freeze.
"Young Master Satoru!"
Unlike some of the elders, Kumaen could immediately distinguish between Satoshi and Satoru.
The moment those piercing Six Eyes entered his sight, he knew exactly who it was.
Standing next to Satoru was another unexpected guest—Zenin Toji.
Ever since Toji's last battle with Satoshi, the Gojo family had been forced to reevaluate him.
Despite lacking any cursed energy, his raw physical power was monstrous.
Even within the Twin Curse Faction, a group that prided itself on jujutsu above all else, they knew better than to bring up his lack of cursed energy in front of him.
At least, not until someone capable of defeating him appeared.
"Who is that?"
Yusuke recognized Satoru but was unfamiliar with Toji.
After all, someone without cursed energy could never make a name for themselves in the jujutsu world.
"This is Zenin Toji. The Zenin clan's… best."
Kumaen introduced Toji to Yusuke before shifting his attention back to Shunichi.
"Shunichi, you're being extremely disrespectful. The Gojo Kyokushin-ryu doesn't keep guests waiting this long."
Kumaen's tone was harsh, though it was notably restrained due to Satoru's presence.
This duel was incredibly important to him, and seeing Shunichi take it so lightly was infuriating.
However, Shunichi was equally frustrated.
He hadn't even known about the challenge, Kumaen had failed to inform him properly.
And now, he was the one being scolded?
If Yagyū Saemon weren't already here, Shunichi wouldn't have even bothered coming to this farce of a fight.
As Satoru and Toji took their seats, a heavy atmosphere settled over the dojo.
The match was about to begin.
---
Meanwhile, back at the forge, Satoshi lay comfortably in bed, watching a system notification pop up.
[During the battle, the borrower has gained kendo experience. Kendo experience +1]
[During the battle, the borrower has gained kendo experience. Kendo experience +1]
[During the battle, the borrower has gained kendo experience. Kendo experience +1]
[…]
Satoshi's mood instantly brightened.