Chapter 9: Summoning Hakuya
Hearing this, Hakuya noticed the two fish in Urokodaki's hands. He had no idea what kind they were.
Hakuya had no particular requirements for food, as long as it was edible.
So Hakuya nodded in agreement.
Then Urokodaki tossed the fish to Hakuya and said, "I'll leave the preparation to you. There's a cutting board and a fish knife outside."
Hakuya caught the two fish, somewhat taken aback. From Urokodaki's expression, it was clear there was no room for negotiation. Hakuya had no choice but to walk outside. Glancing around, he spotted the cooking area. It was simple but spotlessly clean.
Although Hakuya had never prepared fish before, he wasn't entirely without skills. Quickly, he decided to use Water Breathing to help with the task.
Using Water Breathing amplified Hakuya's perception, and with that enhanced awareness, he began cutting with the sharp fish knife along the fish's skeleton.
With just a few precise cuts, the fish head and bones were completely separated from the flesh.
At this moment, Urokodaki suddenly appeared beside Hakuya and reached for the separated fish bones.
"You've mastered Breathing to the point of free control—not bad! But you're probably around the same age as Giyu, so you're still a bit behind him," Urokodaki commented.
Hakuya remained unmoved by Urokodaki's comparison to Giyu Tomioka and the claim that he fell short.
Hakuya admitted he wasn't as powerful as Giyu Tomioka, the current Water Hashira—but that wouldn't be the case forever.
After all, he was an interdimensional traveler with a system advantage.
"You have a good attitude. Even facing my deliberate criticism, you remain calm. You're a promising talent," Urokodaki praised.
This time, Hakuya gave Urokodaki a faint smile.
"Remember to slice the fish thinly!" Knowing Hakuya was a man of few words, Urokodaki didn't expect much conversation. After giving his final instructions, he took the fish bones back to the cabin.
Back inside, Urokodaki dropped the bones into an iron pot set over the fire. The water was already boiling. He wanted the fish bones to make a flavorful broth.
After adding the bones, Urokodaki pulled out a packet of seasonings from his pocket and poured them into the pot.
As the water boiled, an enticing aroma began to spread with the steam.
Hakuya, who was filleting the fish outside, also caught the scent, which quickly whetted his appetite. He swallowed quietly.
After a few minutes, he had completely filleted both fish. Then he carried the plate of fish slices back into the cabin.
Urokodaki was kneeling at one end of the iron pot, and there was a cushion at the other end, obviously prepared for Hakuya.
Bowls and small dishes of dipping sauces were placed on both sides of the pot. Clearly, the sauces were for the fish slices.
"Take a seat," Urokodaki said calmly.
Hakuya nodded, then placed the two plates of fish fillets on either side of the iron pot before kneeling on the cushion opposite Urokodaki.
The atmosphere was unusually quiet, accompanied only by the gentle simmering of rich, fragrant fish broth in the iron pot.
Both Hakuya and Sakonji Urokodaki sat in silence for a moment before Hakuya broke it, saying, "Master Urokodaki, please!"
Upon hearing this, Sakonji Urokodaki removed his Tengu mask, revealing his face to Hakuya.
Hakuya wasn't particularly surprised or shocked by the old man's appearance. Judging by his age, he must have been in his sixties. Despite this, he still maintained an incredibly sharp and resolute spirit.
After removing his Tengu mask, Sakonji Urokodaki didn't immediately begin eating. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Hakuya and asked, "Before we start, I'd like to know—who taught you Water Breathing?"
Hakuya hadn't expected the old man to ask this question. Slightly surprised, he replied, "I saw Tomioka Giyu use it once, so I tried to copy what I saw. Surprisingly, it worked!"
Of course, this was somewhat exaggerated. As for why he said it this way—well, it made him sound more impressive.
This time, Sakonji Urokodaki didn't show any surprise. Instead, his expression grew even more serious.
He wasn't doubting Hakuya's claim because he thought it was boasting. As a master practitioner of Water Breathing himself, Urokodaki knew that learning a Breathing Technique wasn't simply a matter of imitation. It required complete focus of mind and body to gradually explore and familiarize oneself with the technique, mastering its essence and characteristics. Only through constant practice could it become second nature.
"Learning the fundamental forms of Water Breathing isn't as easy as you make it sound. Simple imitation won't get you to your current level. It took Giyu two full years of training to reach where you are now," Sakonji Urokodaki said calmly.
Hakuya didn't object. Instead, he continued confidently, "Master Urokodaki, you have to believe that true prodigies exist in this world—and I happen to be one of them."
Without further explanation, Hakuya attributed his rapid mastery of Water Breathing to natural talent.
After all, there was no way to explain the system, and no need to reveal its existence to Sakonji Urokodaki.
Upon hearing this, Sakonji Urokodaki suddenly laughed—a laugh that seemed to suggest Hakuya was being a bit arrogant.
Then, just as quickly, Sakonji Urokodaki's laughter stopped. His expression became melancholy.
"I once had an exceptionally talented disciple. He was even more gifted than Giyu. But he paid with his life because of his overconfidence. Though perhaps 'overconfidence' isn't the right word—he cared too much about protecting others, and in doing so, he destroyed himself. During the Final Selection, he tried to save every single participant. He pushed himself far beyond his limits and eventually collapsed on the mountain. In the end... he was devoured by a demon."
Sakonji Urokodaki slowly recounted the story to Hakuya, though Hakuya wasn't entirely sure what the old man's specific intention was in telling him all this. Was he simply warning him not to be arrogant? Or was it a lesson that recklessness leads to death?
"I'm telling you this because I don't want to see this tragedy repeat itself—especially with someone who considers himself a prodigy."
"Attempting things far beyond your current abilities is itself a form of arrogance."
After listening to Sakonji Urokodaki's story, Hakuya finally understood. His own confident words had reminded the master of his deceased disciple, which was why he'd spoken with such weight.
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