Feeling everyone's eyes on him, Taito's scalp tingled. Whether he wanted to or not, he had to step up. Besides, he was very interested in the green glow on Ryōken's sword.
In his view, that was chakra infused with nature transformation applied to a sword. Combined with the fine weapon in Ryōken's hand, it had allowed him to slice Nobumura's greatsword cleanly in two.
If he could experience that move firsthand and understand even a little of its principles, this trip would not have been in vain.
Taito slowly walked onto the platform and stood firmly in place, his gaze toward Ryōken carrying a trace of respect.
The accomplished were teachers. Though Ryōken was young, he had clearly gone much farther than Taito on the path of the sword. Taito had almost never seen such unfathomably sharp swordsmanship.
It was easy to imagine that Ryōken had most likely created it himself.
And geniuses capable of creating something new deserved the respect of all who came after them.
Taito raised the longsword in both hands and performed a standard samurai salute, speaking solemnly.
"My sword is named Black Cleaver. Please enlighten me."
The light in his eyes abruptly brightened, like a blazing flame.
Ryōken nodded calmly and lifted his chin slightly.
"Come."
His tone was indifferent.
The crowd suddenly erupted into enthusiastic cheers. It would never have been like this before, but Ryōken had now proven his strength, and his popularity had soared to unprecedented heights.
Geniuses might inspire jealousy, but they were also admired.
"Lord Ryōken may be in danger. Taito is a powerful samurai who has killed a jonin head-on, and before this, he had never suffered a defeat."
Without realizing it, everyone had begun adding the title "Lord" after Ryōken's name. Though it sounded somewhat out of place,