"Of course I do!" Azashiro Kana leaned forward eagerly. "What do I need to do to eat Katori-sensei's cooking regularly?"
"I'm reopening the Katori-ryu dojo to accept disciples. If Azashiro-san becomes my disciple, you'll have regular access to my meals." Katori Natsuki's voice carried a tempting lilt.
"I'll be Katori-sensei's disciple!" Kana nodded so vigorously her fluffy hair bounced.
To Kana, Natsuki's offer sounded like a siren's song—she agreed without hesitation.
[Azashiro Kana wishes to become your disciple. Accept?]
Text flashed before Natsuki's eyes. He mentally confirmed immediately.
[Successfully accepted Azashiro Kana as direct disciple]
[Unlocked Feature: Disciple Feedback]
[Azashiro Kana's Reputation Level Increased → Friendly]
[Disciple Feedback efficiency significantly enhanced]
[Reward for first S-rank disciple acquired: Trait - Patient Instructor]
Their reputation level had already reached Friendly after the meal. Now, as master and disciple, it rose further.
Natsuki examined the new skills:
Disciple Feedback: Receives proportional rewards from disciples' progress. Efficiency scales with reputation.
Patient Instructor: Enhances persuasive ability when teaching.
"Now that you're my disciple, expect stricter training. First, I'll assess your foundations to customize your regimen." Natsuki stood, gesturing toward the dojo.
Batsu'unsai, curious about this sudden recruitment, followed them.
The dojo's central wall bore a "Katori-ryu" plaque flanked by wooden sword racks. Each took a practice sword and assumed stances.
"Attack first," Natsuki said, tilting his blade slightly.
"Here I go!" Kana lunged.
Her form revealed basic swordsmanship training but little refinement. As she slashed toward his waist, Natsuki dodged with a subtle lean.
Tap.
His counterstrike hit her wrist. The wooden sword clattered to the floor.
"Wait! That was too fast! Let me try again!" Kana rubbed her stinging hand, having barely registered the strike.
"Overcommitting leaves fatal openings," Natsuki explained. "Attack again—I'll slow down."
Kana retrieved her sword, chest rising with each breath as she recalibrated. This time, she advanced methodically, sliding her feet in alternating steps.
Her focus locked onto Natsuki's blade, anticipating his moves.
Yet Natsuki only defended, parrying each attack effortlessly. Frustrated, Kana swung wildly—but every strike met his waiting sword as if he'd predicted her movements.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
"Haste breeds repetition of mistakes."
Natsuki blocked her final slash at his neck, then twisted his wrist. His riposte struck like lightning—
Bonk.
"Ow! I surrender!" Kana squatted, clutching her head. "No more head shots—I'll turn stupid!"
Natsuki chuckled at her dramatics. "Your basics are clear now."
Kana had trained before, likely with a tutor. Her raw strength was impressive—even without Reiatsu, she'd been hard to overpower physically.
"Sensei, how did you know where I'd strike? Every swing hit your sword!" Kana stood, probing her forehead for bumps.
"Your patterns are textbook. Experienced fighters read them easily."
"But I was watching your sword the whole time!"
"Tracking the blade is too slow. Observe how I generate force to predict strikes."
Kana pouted. "Even if I watch, I can't tell anything..."
"That comes with experience. Sparring is essential, but fundamentals matter more."
"I'll work hard!" Kana pumped her fists, reinvigorated.
As dusk fell, Natsuki dismissed her, scheduling tomorrow's session after classes.
[Teaching session completed - Rewards distributed]
[+20 Kenjutsu EXP]
[First S-rank disciple bonus awarded]
[+10,000 General EXP]
[Obtained: Sword Skill Advancement Scroll (Mastery)]
The rewards stunned Natsuki—10,000 EXP was unprecedented. This one-time bonus wouldn't repeat for future S-rank recruits.
He invested everything into Reiatsu.
Memories of intensive training flooded his mind as his Reiatsu surged from Lv.10 to Lv.31—equivalent to a 14th Seat's spiritual power.
The scroll's description gleamed:
[Sword Skill Advancement Scroll (Mastery): Elevates any non-mastered sword technique to mastery.]
Perfect.
Natsuki used it immediately on Shunpo. His techniques required advanced Shunpo—his current Lv.20 skill made it difficult to practice.
============
Early chapters: patreon.com/Reborn_noob