A Little Interesting...

Ten thousand sword swings. No more, no less.

Naturally, that reminded Linne Market of Netero's ten thousand punches.

Perhaps it was a coincidence.

But the focus Moyu showed when he swung his sword, and the steady presence he had gradually developed without realizing it, could hardly be explained away as coincidence.

More than that—

Linne Market had noticed the gesture Moyu made when he grew wary. It looked a little like the opening stance of the 100-Type Guanyin.

Or rather,

Linne Market had seen a trace of the 100-Type Guanyin in that gesture.

"Your name?"

She slowly pulled back her wandering thoughts and asked Moyu his name.

Moyu paused. Given the relationship between Linne Market and Netero, he answered readily.

"Moyu Isaac."

"..."

Linne Market's eyes shifted slightly.

Isaac...

That surname was the same as Netero's given name.

It seemed he had some connection to Shingen-ryu's first generation of disciples.

After asking Moyu's name, Linne Market turned to Menchi.

She did not ask again, but her meaning was obvious.

Menchi caught on at once. "Menchi Asti."

"..."

Linne Market nodded slowly, then walked over to a tree stump and sat down with deliberate care.

She looked as comfortable as if she had come home.

Moyu and Menchi exchanged glances.

Moyu thought the old woman was a little strange.

Menchi revered Linne Market. Seeing her stay brought more delight than anything else.

Linne Market sat upright on the stump, her hands resting lightly on her knees. Her wrinkled face showed no emotion as her dull old eyes settled on the Poseidon lying on the reed leaf.

Moyu sensed what she wanted.

Did she come for a free meal?

He did not dare ask.

Given how much Menchi admired Linne Market, she would surely pull out all the stops to entertain her