Chapter 19: Urokodaki Sakonji’s Advice

As the rich fish broth boiled in the iron pot, an unusual silence filled the air.

Both Haru and Urokodaki Sakonji remained quiet for a while before Haru finally broke the silence. "Urokodaki-sama, please go ahead."

Hearing this, Urokodaki removed his tengu mask, revealing his face to Haru.

Haru wasn't particularly shocked by the old man's appearance. Judging by his aged features, Urokodaki seemed to be in his sixties. Despite his age, his spirit and determination remained unshaken.

Even after removing his mask, Urokodaki didn't start eating right away. Instead, he looked at Haru and asked, "Before we begin, I want to know—who taught you Water Breathing?"

Haru hadn't expected that question. Slightly surprised, he replied, "I saw Tomioka Giyu use it once, so I tried to imitate him. Turns out, it worked pretty well."

Of course, this was an exaggerated statement. Haru intentionally made it sound impressive to enhance his image.

Urokodaki, however, wasn't surprised. Instead, his expression grew even more serious.

He didn't find it shocking because he simply didn't believe it. As someone well-versed in Water Breathing, Urokodaki knew that learning a breathing technique wasn't as simple as mimicking it. It required a deep understanding of its core principles, a process of continuous refinement, and endless repetition until it became second nature.

"Water Breathing, one of the five major breathing styles, isn't something that can be mastered just by imitation. Reaching your level of proficiency isn't possible through simple observation. Even Giyu took two years to reach this stage," Urokodaki said calmly.

Haru didn't argue. Instead, he responded, "Urokodaki-sama, you must believe that geniuses exist in this world. And I just happen to be one of them."

Without offering further explanation, Haru simply attributed his skill to natural talent.

There was no need to mention the system, nor any reason to explain its existence to Urokodaki.

Hearing this, Urokodaki suddenly laughed—a laugh that seemed to mock Haru's arrogance.

But his laughter soon faded, and his expression turned somber.

"I once had a truly exceptional disciple, even more talented than Giyu. But because of his arrogance, he lost his life. Or rather, it wasn't arrogance—it was his excessive concern for others that ultimately led to his downfall.

"In the final selection, he tried to save everyone. In the end, he exhausted himself and collapsed on the mountain… and was eaten by a demon."

Urokodaki spoke slowly, recounting the past. Haru wasn't sure why the old man was telling him this. Was it just a warning not to be arrogant? Or a lesson about avoiding reckless actions?

"I'm telling you this because, since you claim to be a genius, I don't want to see the same tragedy happen again."

"Overestimating your abilities and taking on more than you can handle—at its core, that's arrogance."

After hearing Urokodaki's words, Haru finally understood.

His confidence must have reminded Urokodaki of his lost disciple, which was why he had spoken with such weight and sorrow.