Hirako Shinji hadn't expected his evaluation from
Katori-sensei
to be this high.
At school, he was known for being laid-back and lazy.
Just like
Katori-sensei
had said, the curriculum at the
Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy
could no longer keep up with his rate of improvement.
So during class, he simply coasted by—half-heartedly listening, knowing he'd grasp the material anyway.
But as someone who grew up in
Rukongai
, he understood the importance of strength. That's why, instead of hanging out after class, he spent most of his time at the school library.
While the academy's library didn't come close to the
Great Spirit Book Gallery
of
Seireitei
, the knowledge and information within were things he, a kid from
Rukongai
, wouldn't have been able to access otherwise.
Normally, the teachers wouldn't care much for students like him—unremarkable in class, rarely seen outside of it.
But
Katori-sensei
's attention had caught him completely off guard.
Over the past month since school started,
Katori-sensei
had occasionally called his name, asked for help with small tasks, or given him extra guidance and attention after class.
That kind of treatment was usually reserved for top students. He still couldn't figure out how
Katori-sensei
had even noticed him.
"I, Hirako Shinji, wish to become your disciple and learn the way of
Katori-ryu
swordsmanship." Hirako didn't hesitate much—he made the decision to become a student on the spot.
Ever since that night at
Granny Jiang
's tavern, he'd learned that
Chijō Kana
and
Muguruma Kensei
were both
Katori-sensei
's disciples, and he understood just how much their progress was linked to his guidance.
There was no doubt that
Katori-sensei
had real skills. This was a huge opportunity for him.
And Hirako also genuinely respected
Katori-sensei
as a person. That day, he'd witnessed him step in to rescue a little girl from a noble, without hesitation—even though it might've led to serious trouble. Not everyone had that kind of courage. That had earned Hirako's admiration.
"Good! From this day forward, you are a disciple of the
Katori-ryu Dojo
. As one of us, you must show respect to your teachers and elders—betrayal is absolutely forbidden. So long as you remain loyal to the dojo and train diligently, I will pass on the way of the sword to you—and one day, the
Katori-ryu
will flourish again through your hands!"
Nanatsuki
declared with satisfaction.
[Hirako Shinji has requested to become a direct disciple. Accept?]
Nanatsuki looked at the prompt that had suddenly appeared in front of him. Without hesitation, he confirmed.
[Successfully accepted Hirako Shinji as a direct disciple.]
[Hirako Shinji's Reputation Level has increased. Current Reputation: Friendly.]
[Number of S-rank disciples has reached 3. Training Mission feature unlocked. Complete training milestones to receive reward payouts.]
[Current Training Mission added: Guide Chijō Kana through Basic Sword Training. (Completed)]
[Current Training Mission added: Guide Chijō Kana through Skill Training. (In Progress)]
[Current Training Mission added: Guide Muguruma Kensei through Basic Sword Training. (In Progress)]
Nanatsuki noticed that all the newly listed Training Missions were related to the training he had previously arranged for Kana and Kensei.
They each marked a different stage in development. Kana already had a solid foundation, so she had completed the basics and was now advancing into skill refinement.
Kensei, on the other hand, was still building that foundational muscle memory. He needed more time to internalize everything he had learned before progressing—this stage couldn't be rushed.
Nanatsuki instructed Hirako to return to class and come to the dojo for training after school.
He then shifted his attention to the item marked "Completed."
[Disciple Chijō Kana has completed Basic Sword Training. Reward Settlement in Progress...]
[Reward Obtained: 1000 General Ability EXP]
[Reward Obtained: Hadō #4: Byakurai (Beginner Level)]
"Byakurai" allowed the user to shoot a lightning bolt from their fingertip to strike their target.
This was Nanatsuki's first time receiving a
Kidō
reward. Since his
Kidō
repertoire was limited, it was certainly a welcome bonus.
He checked the EXP required to level up his
Reiatsu
. At level 52, it now cost 2000 EXP to go up a level—still not enough for a rank-up.
After some thought, Nanatsuki invested the 1000
General Ability EXP
into
Shunpo
, since his strongest sword technique—
Shunpo Iaido
—was heavily dependent on his movement speed. Improving
Shunpo
would make that technique even deadlier.
Besides, boosting his
Shunpo
was also a solid insurance policy. In a real crisis, faster movement could save his life.
After the investment, his
Shunpo
level rose from 21 to 23.
That afternoon, Hirako Shinji arrived at the
Katori-ryu Dojo
with
Chijō Kana
and
Muguruma Kensei
.
"Shinji, your initial training will be the same as Kensei's: basic strengthening exercises." Nanatsuki pulled out a
Flagfish
wooden sword. "You'll practice
Suburi
with this. You'll need to channel your
Reiatsu
into the sword to reduce its weight. Your first task is to learn how to manage your energy output."
Fortunately, they still had some leftover stock in the dojo. Otherwise, forging another
Flagfish
blade would be expensive—too much for Nanatsuki and
Batsu'unsai
to handle in their current financial situation.
"Yes, Sensei."
Hirako tried it out and quickly got the hang of channeling
Reiatsu
into the sword. However, like Kana and Kensei before him, he didn't yet know how to properly regulate his output. As a result, he burned out quickly on the first day.
[New Training Mission added: Guide Hirako Shinji through Basic Sword Training. (In Progress)]
Just as Nanatsuki had expected, a new Training Mission popped up as soon as he began instructing Hirako.
"Sensei! I cut it in half!"
Kana's excited shout rang out from behind him.
Nanatsuki turned to see the straw mat on the floor sliced cleanly in two.
[Your disciple Chijō Kana has begun to master the 'Reiatsu Blade' technique. You have received a reward.]
[Gained 3000 Sword Skill EXP]
Nanatsuki's
Zanjutsu
level rose from 53 to 54.
Mastering the
Reiatsu Blade
technique through mat-cutting training was clearly more difficult—and more rewarding—than developing energy control through
Suburi
with the
Flagfish
wooden sword.
"Excellent work, Kana. You really do have a natural talent for swordsmanship. That was fast!" Nanatsuki praised. "You've now grasped the basics of the
Reiatsu Blade
technique. Next, I'll formally begin teaching you sword techniques."
He went to the storage room and brought out a new training tool—a humanoid target dummy.
"This dummy is about as tough as the ones in the academy's sword training room. You won't break it with just a wooden sword. You'll need to combine the two techniques you've learned and pierce through it."
Nanatsuki demonstrated. He stepped forward, blade raised, left hand steadying the spine of the wooden sword.
Reiatsu
surged along the blade's length.
Then, in a sudden burst of motion, he thrust the weapon forward with blinding speed.
Katori-ryu: Shun Strike!
Thump—
The wooden blade plunged straight through the dummy's head.