Chapter 70

He pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly.

As the sun sets, its soft and warm light shines upon the earth.

The two stood facing each other beside the sandpit.

"Hasegawa-kun, I have a favor to ask of you."

With her back to the sun, Busujima Saeko's expression gradually hardened, her eyes sharpening as she spoke with a resounding voice.

"Please allow me to become your disciple and learn the Supreme Swordsmanship!"

As she spoke, she knelt down on both knees, as if to kowtow.

Huh?

Is it really necessary to perform such a grand ceremony?

Hasegawa Izumi was taken aback.

"Wait, I didn't agree to that!"

He reached out and placed his hand on Dokjima's shoulder, preventing him from bowing.

"This is simply to express my sincerity and gratitude. Whether you agree or not, I am able to see a wider world because of you, which is very important to me."

Busujima Saeko said with a serious expression.

"Well, that makes a lot of sense."

It's not that he can't understand the other person's mindset and thoughts.

When someone walks into a dead end and finds there's no way forward, and suddenly someone cleaves the wall in front of them with a sword, that's truly a moving experience.

If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening.

"However, there's no need for kowtowing, and besides, I have no intention of taking on any disciples right now."

With a slight pull, he caused Busujima Saeko to unconsciously stand up again.

"Oh, I see..."

Upon hearing this, Busujima Saeko was severely traumatized, and her eyes instantly lost their light.

So, someone like her simply isn't good enough for this man?

After all, I'm just a weak little girl who can't do anything.

Soon, Hasegawa Izumi made another unexpected turn.

"However, if it's just about teaching you swordsmanship, that's not something I can't do without a second thought."

His original purpose in coming to Shuchiin was to find "like-minded people." Such people did not necessarily have to join Far East Magic; as long as they could travel together and exchange ideas, that would be enough.

Naturally, in his judgment, Busujima Senpai was also a promising talent capable of entering the Dao.

"That's enough! This is enough!"

Busujima Saeko instantly came to life, her emotions running high, her eyes filled with enthusiasm, anticipation, and unwavering determination, showing that she was willing to give everything for this.

This is a behavior only seen in those Seeker of Truth.

Hasegawa Izumi had seen that devout look before...

Several years ago, when Mori Summer was guiding another newcomer, that newcomer also showed a similar look in his eyes.

Oh right, I think... her name was Sophia?

Smack

Pulling open the tab, Hasegawa Izumi sat on the bench, tilted her head back and took a sip of cola, then looked at her senior who looked ready for anything.

"Busujima Senpai, what are your thoughts on the levels of kendo?"

"Do you mean kendo rank?"

This was the first thing Busujima Saeko thought of.

"Of course not, that's just a subtle division of strength in modern society, it has nothing to do with the level of swordsmanship."

He shook his head, raised a finger, and said, "Like some kind of state of no thought, no desire, no self."

"I have heard my father mention something similar. For example, the first level of a swordsman is superb swordsmanship, which mainly involves practicing speed and technique. After having sufficiently superb swordsmanship, there is also the cultivation of mental techniques, adjusting one's mental state to the most ideal level, which is called 'Unity of Sword and Heart'. Then comes 'the State of No Mind', where one is not attached to anything, and the sword becomes one with one's soul, the sword and the person become one, and one will be more adept at using the sword."

Busujima Saeko recalled her father's teachings and then slowly began to recount them.

Currently, she is in the state of 'Unity of Sword and Heart,' which is why she can suppress the violent impulse in her heart. However, this state is not stable. Only when she reaches the State of No Mind's can she get rid of this impulse and even use it to enhance her swordsmanship.

"Pretty much the same, I guess."

He began to speak.

The so-called "Unity of Sword and Heart" means mastering sword techniques to a profound degree, being able to strike first after being attacked, and using the most appropriate change of move. "The State of No Mind" is equivalent to "Unity of Person and Blade", which means that the mind and hand are in perfect harmony, and whatever move you think of, your hand will execute it without delay.

"Then let me guide you on how to quickly enter State of No Mind."

"Huh?"

Busujima Saeko was stunned by these words, finding it hard to believe what she was hearing.

She had also heard her father describe the difficulty of reaching the State of No Mind, a level that only grandmasters in modern times possess. Even her father, a renowned swordsman, only achieved it at the age of 38.

She's only a high school sophomore right now, can she really master it?

But then she thought, "Didn't Hasegawa-kun do just that?"

She instantly gained confidence.

"Let me see your sword techniques first."

Hasegawa Izumi casually tossed a Coke can into a trash can ten meters away and began her formal ministry.

Busujima Saeko held her breath and took the wooden sword out of the cloth sword bag. She began to practice as usual, swinging the sword freely like a dancing elf.

"Whoosh~"

A faint tearing sound could be heard in the air.

"Hmm, your movements are very standard. It's clear you've put in a lot of hard work, but even hard work has its limits."

Hasegawa Izumi first applauded and praised, then began to nitpick.

"As I said before, your sword is too heavy and not free enough. You have concerns in your mind, which is why your sword path is always constrained and you can't open up a new way."

Busujima Saeko frowned slightly.

She hadn't paid attention to those words before, but now she understood why she had reached her limit—it was that hidden, uncontrollable violent impulse within her.

He continued his analysis, "While your inability to control that instinctive bloodlust is a limitation, it is also a strength, senior."

Emotions are also a form of power. For example, a person is in completely different states when they are confident and when they are insecure. Furthermore, extreme anger can unleash far greater power than in a normal state.

"Is there any way to solve this?"

Busujima Saeko's heart was fluttering.

If she can do that, then she won't have to worry about hurting others because she loses control, and she will be able to interact with people normally.

"Can."

Hasegawa Izumi gave an affirmative answer, then came up to her and extended his hand.

Give me the sword.

"Oh."

Busujima Saeko parted her red lips slightly and subconsciously handed over the wooden sword, her gaze following the other person's figure as she turned around.

Under the setting sun, a dashing young man held a long sword, pointing it diagonally at the ground.

"Busujima Senpai, pay attention, memorize this sword technique well."

As soon as he finished speaking, he began to swing his sword. It seemed fast, but it felt slow; his movements were fluid yet direct and swift.

Busujima Saeko stared intently, forgetting even to blink, completely absorbed in the sword dance.

The swordsman's steps constantly change, and the sword techniques change accordingly, yet they seem to remain true to the same principle despite the variations.

Furthermore, the same wooden sword that Mingming was using seemed to gleam with a cold light and exude a chilling aura in the opponent's hands, inspiring fear in those who beheld it.

Shortly afterward, the demonstration of the thirteen sword techniques concluded.

"Did you write it down, senior?"

Hasegawa Izumi made a gesture of sheathing her sword, then turned and asked.

"I've got it."

Busujima Saeko paused for a moment, then continued.

"It doesn't seem too difficult."

"This sword technique emphasizes intent over form, and it needs to be combined with incantations to unleash its full power. I will now pass on the incantations to you."

He took out his phone and added the senior student as a Line friend, then sent her the formula.

"Is this a mental cultivation technique?"

Busujima Saeko glanced at it briefly, her eyes filled with doubt.

This reminded her of a mnemonic for regulating one's mental state.

"That's right, this is the mental cultivation method."

After giving a mysterious smile, Hasegawa Izumi turned and left without looking back.

Watching the other person's departing figure until it disappeared from sight, Busujima Saeko silently gripped the wooden sword in her hand, thinking to herself.

"We will forever remember your kindness in spreading the knowledge."

"If needed, I am willing to be the sword in your hand, cutting through everything for you!"

As dusk fell.

Hasegawa Izumi stopped in front of her house, hesitating for a moment.

With a 'click', just as he pushed the door open and entered, his Little Sister's voice rang out.

"Kukuku, my My other half! Have you completely forgotten me today? The time to offer sacrifices has long passed!"

Kōko came running straight over from inside, pouting, clearly very dissatisfied.

"Coo coo coo~"

During the few seconds of his silence, a deafening sound emanated from his Little Sister's stomach.

"Babble."

Kōko blushed instantly and covered her cheeks.

"Okay, I'll go cook first. We can talk about any complaints later."

He reached out and ruffled his Little Sister's soft blonde hair before hurriedly disappearing into the kitchen.

Escape successful!

86. "Isn't it pretty good?"

"Sawamura-san, is this really okay?"

"Eh, I don't understand what you mean, Sagano-san."

"I'm talking about Hasegawa-kun. You two are Childhood Friends, right? Everyone knows that, but I feel like you two don't interact much, and you're even a bit distant. That shouldn't be the case."

"Childhood Friend doesn't mean we have to act very intimate, does it? It just means we've known each other for a long time."

"Does Sawamura-san really think that way? Even I feel uncomfortable thinking about Hasegawa-kun hanging out with those girls every day. Who knows, maybe one day their feelings for each other will become so deep..."

"I understand how you feel, but that doesn't apply to me and Izumi... Izumi has been all alone for a long time, with only me by his side. It must have been so lonely. Now his social circle is expanding, and Ken has more like-minded friends. Isn't that a good thing?"

Holding her handbag by the handles, Eriri walked slowly along the boardwalk of Detective Slope, her mind filled with yesterday's conversation. A sudden pang of unease gripped her heart, and she bit her lip.

She admitted that she was indeed a little annoyed.