A Different View

After a tumultuous night, the Sword Hunt continued, and struggles played out everywhere across Yomotsu Hirasaka.

Yet in some places, the peace remained undisturbed.

In the courtyard facing the tea room, water flowed into the shishi-odoshi, making it clack with a crisp sound. Plum blossoms drifted down onto the white sand and black stones.

A somewhat aged samurai held a teacup, quietly gazing at the distant scenery as he contemplated Zen.

His movements paused slightly for an instant.

His gaze turned toward the entrance outside the tea room.

Soft footsteps slowly approached beyond the paper door. The visitor stopped outside without concealing his presence, merely lowering his head and waiting respectfully.

Only after the samurai had finished his tea did the visitor lightly knock on the door and respectfully report, "Master Instructor Sato, your disciple Yamanaka Koya humbly requests an audience."

Sato set down his teacup and asked indifferently, "Why didn't you knock from the beginning?"

The young man outside lowered his head. "I did not dare disturb your refined leisure."

Sato smiled. "And you aren't disturbing it now?"

The voice behind the door became even more respectful. "My thoughts are in turmoil, and I truly cannot find peace. I feared that I might encounter you, Master Instructor, yet be denied the chance to meet you."

"Since you're here, come in."

Sato let out a long breath and could not help feeling irritated.

There were simply too many students eager to flatter him. They were everywhere, impossible to guard against.

Especially since he had taken on the role of a Sword Hunt judge, they had become even more attentive. Even his tea room, where he occasionally came to relax, had been found out.

The paper door slid open, revealing a handsome youth kneeling outside.

He wore a Dojo uniform and