Chapter 158 was originally idealism.
"Why hide now that you're here?"
Aokiji, who was lying in the rocking chair, suddenly spoke.
He was still looking up at the sky when he said this.
But the target of the words is quite obvious.
A moment later, Yuta emerged from behind the tree stump, looking somewhat embarrassed and reserved.
" Mr. Aokiji "
Yuta originally wanted to address him as "Master".
Then he felt it was too strange to address his peers that way, so he changed the way he addressed them.
Her expression betrayed her embarrassment.
After all, Aokiji had just said he wanted to be alone to think, and she quietly came to disturb him.
But, we've already disturbed you.
Let's just go all the way!
A determination flashed in Yuta's eyes!
"Um... do you... do you take on apprentices...?"
She stammered out the question.
Wait a minute! What's with my timid tone?!
He had no imposing presence at all, like I was afraid of him... Well, I was a little afraid.
Yuta's fear wasn't just simple; it was more like awe or reverence for the strong or elders.
Aokiji's performance was too exaggerated and terrifying.
Even though she knew the other person was close to her age, Yuta couldn't relax.
"Taking on a disciple? I remember your father is Amahare, isn't he? You have a great swordsman as your father, why would you need to become someone else's disciple?"
The rocking chair swayed slightly beneath its curved design, and Aokiji asked leisurely.
Yuta gently scratched her cheek with her finger to hide her embarrassment.
"Well... the swordsmanship my father taught me was a bit too fancy, and I feel that even more strongly after seeing your swordsmanship today."
A pure sword, an ultimate strike.
Not a single unnecessary movement.
Every action is focused on the way of the sword.
This feeling of simplicity is powerful.
It deeply attracted Yuta, whose swordsmanship was versatile and his movements were flashy and agile.
"It's really flashy."
Aokiji turned his head to look at her from the rocking chair.
The cropped design resembles a dancer's corset, making her figure appear firm and striking.
Her slender, flowing waist boasts exquisite lines honed through years of training.
The red marks left by the ice blades from her previous challenge against Aokiji are still imprinted on her side waist.
The fabric of the stirrup socks covers the arch and instep, making it feel almost like walking barefoot.
The loose-fitting trousers have fabric cut off at the outer thighs and hips, revealing some elastic and full-figured parts.
The various metal ornaments she wore made a jingling sound.
The metallic sheen contrasted sharply with her brown skin, making her stand out.
"That's not what I meant...!"
Yuta felt a little hot under his gaze.
She felt a little shy about the unabashed gaze, but also a little proud of being able to attract the other person's attention.
"I'll show you!"
She drew the two curved knives tucked into her waistband.
She began to use the techniques she had learned on her own.
Her figure was graceful, like a butterfly.
The two scimitars she wielded, along with her graceful and nimble steps, exuded a dangerous gentleness.
Its proud and upright posture seems to have no support other than the outermost layer of white fabric.
It swayed along with the ornaments adorning its graceful body.
After a while, she stopped what she was doing.
After demonstrating all the sword techniques he had learned without holding back,
A thin layer of sweat covered his smooth, brown skin.
"How about it?"
"It's more like a dance than a swordsmanship."
Aokiji's blunt comments.
While the visual enjoyment is undeniable, the truth must still be told.
It's good for dominating newbies and can produce decent entertainment, but that's about it.
"That's what I mean…" Yuta said dejectedly in a low voice.
"I was quite confident at first, but when I sparred with you down the mountain, no matter how I dodged and weaved, I was still easily caught."
She touched the frostbite marks on her side.
It's as precise as a printed tally mark.
Yuta, who had no idea what the stylist meant, could only silently admire Aokiji's profound swordsmanship.
"Then, after watching your sparring with Master Kamikaze, my doubts about my own swordsmanship deepened."
Yuta focused her gaze and made up her mind once again.
He bowed deeply and pleaded loudly:
"Please accept me as your disciple! I want to go further on the path of the sword! Please, I will do anything!"
"Can you really do everything?"
"R-Really!" Yuta blushed, glancing furtively at Aokiji, seemingly lost in thought. "Anything, anything is fine!"
"That sounds very convincing."
Aokiji rested his hands behind his head.
Suddenly, the tone shifted:
"But, I refuse!!"
"Huh?!?!"
Yuta exclaimed in confusion.
She even began to imagine the scene where Aokiji would make some ulterior motives, but in order to go further in kendo, she would silently agree with her head down.
You were rejected?!
"Why?!" Yuta pressed on, unwilling to give up.
They don't think much of her talent?
Or do you just not like her as a person?
Even if she doesn't understand, she can learn and grow through trial and error!
"Because I am pursuing the pinnacle of swordsmanship, I have no time to think about anything else, let alone take on disciples."
Aokiji closed his eyes.
He casually uttered the last sentence:
"If you can find a way to help me reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship, it's not impossible for me to take you as my disciple."
Isn't this making things difficult for people?
Yuta scratched her head in frustration, her long white hair flying about in disarray.
She was still in the stage of doubting her own kendo, so how could she possibly have a way to help Aokiji reach the pinnacle of kendo?
She tidied her hair and calmed herself down.
Then, with hope in his eyes, he asked:
"After you break through to the next level, can you take me as your disciple?"
"We'll see," Aokiji replied casually.
"Ugh—" Yuta let out a weak sigh.
"Your skills have reached their peak, and all that's missing is [heart]. I hope that day comes soon."
"…" Aokiji turned his head to look at her, "Tell me in detail."
Yuta is puzzled.
However, I still truthfully stated the theory of [skill and mind] that I had heard.
After listening, Aokiji slowly sat up.
He looked thoughtful.
So that's how it is. No wonder his swordsmanship skills are still lacking, given his current level of body control.
It turns out it wasn't materialism, it was idealism.
So how do we break through this barrier...?
Seeing him deep in thought, Yuta wondered uncertainly whether her words had worked.
So she said cautiously:
" Mr. Aokiji … no, Master, look, about taking me as your disciple…"
"Hmm? Oh, it's somewhat helpful. I agree." Aokiji said casually, "But I can't guide you right now. We'll talk about it after you officially break through."
"Yes, Master!!"
Yuta beamed with joy, clenching her fists in excitement.
I never expected that a casual remark would help both Master Aokiji and myself—a win-win situation!
Now all we have to do is wait for my master to break through, and then we can take even further steps in the path of swordsmanship...
Yuta's excited thoughts suddenly came to a brief halt.
She recalled her earlier declaration that she would do anything.
A flame of shame ignited from her abdomen.
In order to get Master Aokiji to agree, she just spoke far too recklessly!
I wonder if Master will remember this promise later.
If Master forgets...
As a swordsman, one must keep one's promise! I will definitely remind him!