They say a best friend is someone you can fight to the death with one moment, and then act as if nothing happened shortly after.
In that sense, Unohana and Saito were the ultimate rivals and friends.
They bickered every day and swung their blades at each other with murderous intent, yet lived their daily lives with total nonchalance once the dust settled.
That's why I decided to leave the dojo in their hands for a while and step out.
The moment I told Saito I was appointing her as the Acting Instructor, she made a gagging sound and tried to bolt with a look of pure horror. I had to grab her by the scruff of her neck and threaten not to let go until she agreed before she finally accepted.
What was surprising, however, was Unohana, whom I appointed as the Acting Director.
I expected her to protest, saying things like "How can you leave me behind?" but she accepted it surprisingly cleanly.
"Because I trust you."
Huh? What's this? She usually only calls me 'Anata' when we're alone, but suddenly?
"You're calling me 'husband' even with Saito right here?"
"Fufu... When a stray cat starts eyeing what's mine, how could the primary wife possibly stay silent?"
So it's jealousy after all. Well, I like that side of her too.
With that thought, I reached out and patted Unohana's head.
"So, where are you headed?"
"Just to the Human Realm for a bit to look into something. It won't take long. And unless something special happens, I plan to return every night, so don't worry too much."
"Asking me not to worry... you ask for the impossible. It is only natural for a wife to worry for her husband."
As I blinked at the sight of Unohana leaning into my embrace with a longing expression, Saito, who had been lazily swinging a wooden sword, hurled it onto the floor and screamed.
"GAH!! I'm not eyeing him! Stop that fucking public display of affection in front of me!! Seeing that slutty expression on your face is making me feel physically sick! I can't take it!"
"Do you really not understand that you lack a husband because your mouth is so foul? No, perhaps it's not just your mouth... there seem to be other reasons as well."
With a beaming smile, Unohana let her gaze drop toward Saito's chest. Saito looked down at her own chest, then looked back up with a twisted grin as she drew her real sword.
"Are you finished? You want another go? No, let's go. I'm going to kill you this time."
"If it's a spar you want, I'll accept anytime. Though you'll lose again, just like before."
"Keep it moderate, you two. And if any new students show up, take them in. Anyway, I'm heading out."
"Yes, please be safe. I will be waiting."
Leaving behind the sharp sound of clashing steel, I stepped out of the dojo.
Immediately upon exiting, I ran into a middle-aged man whose forehead was exposed almost to the crown of his head.
I didn't even need to think about who it was.
A middle-aged man in a gi with a scar shaped like the character 'Ei' (丿) across his brow—there was only one person like that.
"What the? You haven't shown your face for nearly 500 years, so I thought you didn't even know I was here. Why do you show up exactly when I'm leaving? You realize I could suspect you're trying to hijack my dojo while I'm gone, right?"
"...Pardon me. I merely came because there was a certain matter I wished to discuss. Such an intention never crossed my mind. If I have caused offense, I apologize. Forgive me."
I nodded at his clean admission and apology.
"Well, standing here isn't the best way to talk. Should we move elsewhere? As you can see, the dojo is a bit chaotic right now."
"Indeed, it would be inappropriate to disturb the students during their training. If it pleases you, shall we speak at my dojo? I have recently acquired some fine tea that I would like to serve."
"Sure, why not."
And so, for the first time since opening my own dojo, I set foot inside Genji Academy.
Unlike my place, Genji Academy was teeming with countless students.
"Greetings, Master!!"
"Yes, keep up the hard work."
"Understood, Sir!"
The difference in scale was so vast it was almost laughable.
However, among the crowd, there were many students who seemed significantly below par in terms of skill.
Suddenly, Saito's words about 'a small number of elites' came to mind, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
Looking at it this way, it really did seem that way.
"This is a fine dojo."
"It is. It is my pride."
The sight of him answering with a warm, satisfied smile made me feel good too.
A person who possesses both confidence and pride in their work radiates such light.
Truly, there is no end to learning.
Yes, so what if my dojo doesn't have many students? As long as I am satisfied and take pride in it, that is enough.
With that new lesson etched into a corner of my heart, we arrived at the reception room of Genji Academy.
Genryusai took out tea leaves and a tea set from a cabinet and began brewing.
"So, what's this talk about? I'm sure you didn't call me here just for a leisurely chat between fellow dojo owners."
"Correct. It was not merely for tea. I have a proposal for you."
As he said this, Genryusai placed a cup of steaming green tea in front of me.
"Please do not misunderstand my intent. I would like your help in running the academy."
"Sure. Since you gave me the 'don't misunderstand' disclaimer, I'll assume you aren't just trying to trick me."
Looking at Genryusai's character to begin with, he wasn't the type for such things.
He was the type who would rather hit you head-on than play petty games or backstab you.
Of course, once he decided to sink his teeth into something, he would pursue it by any means necessary, but he wasn't a backstabber.
So, he must have a good reason for saying this.
"Let me ask you point-blank. Your dojo is massive and you have far more students than I do. What on earth are you lacking that you're asking for my help?"
"A lack of quality. An absolute deficit of experience."
Saying this, Genryusai took a sip of tea and let out a deep sigh.
"Genji Academy accepts all who are qualified. This is why we have so many students. However, having many students is not purely a blessing."
"I'm not sure if that's something you should be saying to a man with only two students."
"The situation changes if those two are superior to seventy percent of Genji Academy combined."
I wasn't about to praise myself, so I just shrugged and downed some tea.
Hmm. As I thought, the tea Unohana makes is better. This is too astringent.
"So? Should I take this to mean you want to use my dojo to gain combat experience for your students?"
"One could see it that way, but that is a misunderstanding. I am well aware that we are several steps below you; I would not make such a proposal in that manner."
"Fair enough. If that were the case, you wouldn't even mention sending your main forces my way. What's the angle?"
"I wish to establish your dojo, the Budokan, as the Advanced Academy of Genji Academy. I would like the students of Genji Academy to be able to progress to Budokan in the future. What say you?"
Now that was unexpected.
As I blinked at the completely unforeseen answer, Genryusai sighed deeply.
"It must be hard to comprehend. That the master of a dojo that has spent 400 years following its own path would suddenly make such a proposal. But please understand, I do this because it is a necessity."
"Let's see... So, it's not a personal matter, nor is it a simple convergence of interests. Since you say it is a 'necessity,' I should take it to mean you feel you 'must' do this, rather than you 'want' to."
An increase in combat power is necessary, and for that purpose, dojos that have been independent for 400 years must unite.
Why the sudden need? I looked down at the tea leaf floating vertically in my cup and assessed the situation.
The man before me was that Genryusai.
Well... his scar isn't a cross yet, so he's still technically Eijisai, but that's beside the point.
Genryusai had the experience and pride of running his own dojo his own way for at least 500 years.
If he needed cooperation, he was the type of man who would either use force or absorb the other party. He wasn't the kind to bow his head and call my Budokan an 'Advanced Academy.'
Of course, it could be that he was bowing because he knew the extent of my power.
But why now? Why would the same Genryusai who avoided me for over 400 years out of awkwardness suddenly ask to join forces?
And specifically at the exact time Yhwach has appeared in the world?
Even better, he claims the reason is to foster actual combat experience and create higher-quality warriors?
"I can see right through this. Someone told you about me. And that 'someone' is..."
I paused for a moment to watch Genryusai's reaction, but he merely sipped his tea with an expressionless face.
"Ah, isn't that an ink stain on your chest?"
As soon as I said that, Genryusai reflexively glanced down at the chest of his gi while trying to act as if he hadn't.
Naturally, his gi was black. It was a design very similar to the Shihakusho the Soul Reapers would wear in the far future.
"Do you really think black ink would show on a black gi? I had a feeling, but it really is that damn monk. He looks like Bodhidharma, but since I told him not to touch me, he decides to play this card?"
"...So you already knew."
"Boy, I might look like this, but I'm an old man who has lived hundreds of thousands of years longer than you. Did you really think you could deceive me with such a paltry lie?"
I slowly allowed my Spiritual Pressure to rise, crushing down on Genryusai—and by extension, the monk hiding behind him. I saw Genryusai's hand creep toward the sword propped up beside him.
Was it survival instinct? Or battle lust?
Either way, it didn't matter... but there was no need to stir up unnecessary trouble with someone who would be a long-term acquaintance.
I let my aura vanish like a popped balloon and lifted my teacup.
"I have half a mind to turn your head into a bald one just like that monk's... but as you said, since this was done out of necessity, I won't reprimand you for it."
"...I am truly grateful for your vast magnanimity. I shall gladly pay the price for this rudeness later."
I stood up and laughed, patting the shoulder of Genryusai as he bowed his head.
"Kid, look at you changing your tone just because I turned up the heat a bit. Cut it out. I don't care about formality. If I cared about that, would I still be talking so casually at my age?"
"...Is that so?"
"Yeah. Anyway, enough of that. When you see that monk again, tell him this for me."
"Suit yourself."
Got it?
"Oh, and about the Advanced Academy. I'm thinking about it positively, so go to Budokan later and work out the details with Unohana. She's the Acting Director. Don't drag your feet waiting for me; just handle it yourselves."
Without even waiting for an answer, I turned and left the premises.