Jigoro asked about Yoyake's curse, and Horitake answered earnestly, "Not yet, but give me time to grow stronger, and I'm confident I can dispel the Master's curse."
"If you can, Horitake, you'll do the Corps a great service! The Master has upheld the Corps since youth, diligent and devoted, treating every swordsman like his own child, always trusting his subordinates. But the Ubuyashiki curse weakens him daily…" Jigoro's respect for Yoyake was clear, shared by all in the Corps, even retired elders like him.
Horitake vowed solemnly, "Don't worry, old man. I'll improve fast."
Jigoro nodded slowly.
Then, his tone shifted, less serious. "By the way, what's with that Kanroji Miri girl? Is she the 'future wife' you mentioned?"
Horitake froze. How to answer that!? Stammering, he managed, "Miri… she… I see her as a potential wife, but not the one I meant! Get it, old man?"
Jigoro scolded righteously, "You punk! Two-timing already? Eating from one bowl while eyeing another? That's low!"
Horitake threw caution to the wind. "Don't act all pure, old man! As if you never dreamed of having it all when you were young! Besides, these days, what's wrong with a powerful man having a few wives? It's common!"
"True, but you'll be despised for it."
"They're just jealous!"
"Shameless, huh?"
The old and young bickered, neither budging.
In the kitchen, Zenitsu, washing dishes, overheard and wept in envy. "Damn it! Big Bro's two-timing? So jealous! Why don't I get that luck? The women I've met… ugh, so unfair!"
In the tea room, Jigoro's scolding didn't faze Horitake, who stood firm.
Exasperated, Jigoro gave up. "Fine, you stubborn punk! But hear this: never toy with a girl's feelings. Take responsibility for them and your actions! If you mess up, I won't bail you out."
"No worries, I won't capsize!" Horitake waved grandly. "Iron chains link boats, treading as on level ground!"
"You're planning to chain boats!?"
"Kidding, just kidding!"
"But, old man, once my Nichirin Blade arrives, I'll head out on missions. I won't be able to stay here often."
Jigoro was prepared. "You're grown, ready to stand on your own. I've no objections—just visit me now and then. Don't forget me."
"Forget you? Peach Mountain's my home! And you've got Zenitsu now. He's timid but good-hearted. I'm relieved he's with you."
Jigoro nodded, then grimaced. "Zenitsu's fine, but his constant training-dodging ticks me off."
Sipping tea, Horitake advised, "Can't escape the temple if you're a monk. If he runs, catch him and drill him harder. He's young—he needs hardship. He'll join the Corps someday; without strength or guts, he's done for."
Jigoro sighed. "I can train his strength, but his cowardice? What do I do?"
"No worries. Once his strength grows, confidence will follow. Weakness breeds fear. Train him harder—time will handle the rest."
"Well said! I think so too!"
Their voices reached the kitchen, where Zenitsu trembled, plotting his nth escape from Peach Mountain.
In the days that followed, Jigoro trained Zenitsu relentlessly, leaving him half-dead daily. When Jigoro rested, Horitake took over, training his junior even harsher.
Jigoro's training was tough but verbal; Horitake's included beatings for failing tasks.
Zenitsu, bruised often, began to prefer Jigoro's training—no punches. When Jigoro noticed Horitake's "stick method" worked, he let Horitake take charge.
Zenitsu despaired, begging Jigoro to train him instead.
Jigoro, smiling, said, "Your brother's training is effective. Keep at it! Don't sulk, Zenitsu. This intensity won't last long. Once his Nichirin Blade arrives, he'll leave for missions—his duty as a Corps member."
Zenitsu prayed fervently for that blade's arrival, hoping Horitake would leave soon. He feared dying from beatings before training killed him!
Horitake's "beatings" weren't severe—just bruises that healed overnight—but to timid Zenitsu, they were a nightmare.
Waiting eagerly, Zenitsu's prayers were answered one morning. A man in a Hyottoko mask, a straw hat with wind chimes, arrived—Haganezuka, Horitake's swordsmith.
With wind chimes jingling, Haganezuka climbed Peach Mountain to Jigoro's house to deliver the blade. Zenitsu, cleaning breakfast dishes, answered the door.
Seeing the masked stranger, Zenitsu asked, "Who are you…?"
"I'm Haganezuka. Horitake's Nichirin Blade is ready. I'm here to deliver it."
Zenitsu's face lit up. Clutching Haganezuka's hand like a long-lost father, he cried, "You're finally here! Do you know what I've been through!?"
"Huh?"
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