Tensions at an Impasse

A Death Sentence by Gas Canister

"The younger generation is truly impressive!"

Aoki Mori Nozomi's face flushed red. Their brief exchange had taken everything he had, yet he hadn't gained much of an advantage.

The force rebounding from his katana had been immense. If he hadn't gripped it with both hands, he might have lost his hold on it.

If that had happened, things would have been bad.

"Heh! You're still hale and hearty, sir. I nearly lost!"

Tokyo Swordsman Mizuno Ryouwa replied just as courteously. His breathing was also somewhat ragged, but thanks to his younger age and stronger recovery, he soon steadied himself.

Shinkage-ryu originated with Sword Saint Kamiizumi Nobutsuna. Its most famous branch was Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, which combined Kashima Shinto-ryu and Toda-ryu, becoming the main branch of Shinkage-ryu.

The swordsmanship Mizuno Ryouwa practiced was Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. Tracing its roots back, it led to Sword Saint Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, so it was hardly surprising that he was called the swordsman closest to the Sword Saint.

After all, in Shinkage-ryu, with its complete system of transmission, swordsmen who came close to the Sword Saint were not uncommon. The Three Yagyu Tengu, for instance, were among the most prominent: Three swordsmen from one family—a truly astonishing presence.

"Then let this old man experience Shinkage-ryu's finest techniques once more!"

Aoki Mori Nozomi took a deep breath and lunged forward again.

Duels between Japanese warriors resembled modern aerial combat: high offense, low defense. They repeatedly closed in and broke away, seeking to land a fatal blow at high speed.

The fighters darted in and out, their swords flashing with a chilling gleam that forced the spectators to narrow their eyes.

"Grandpa, keep it up! Take down that guy who calls himself the Sword Saint and chop him into eight pieces!"

Aoki Taisei waved