If Long Yi were the one being beaten senseless in the dojo today, would anyone stand up for him?
Naturally, the answer was no.
Yatogami Taizo's affection for Long Yi was genuine, but that did not mean he would protect the next master of Kitetsu, whom he had personally chosen, at every turn.
That wise bald old man understood.
A famed blade had to be forged through countless hammerings.
"Tap, tap."
Yatogami Soshu, his long hair flowing, did not walk quickly, but every step he took was exceptionally steady.
Like the other members of the Yatogami Family, he wore a well-fitted black kimono. The solemn color made the expression on his face appear even gloomier.
The boy in his sights felt his breath catch, and his body began to tremble uncontrollably.
This was an instinctive fear that came from his very bones, like a harmless rabbit encountering a jackal with blood at the corner of its mouth.
Long Yi did not think he was a rabbit, but the old man approaching him was even more terrifying than a jackal.
"Give me a bamboo sword."
Yatogami Soshu stepped onto the dojo floor, extended a hand slightly, and spoke softly to the dumbfounded Yatogami Family members beside him.
"Y-yes! As you command, Lord Soshu!"
The Yatogami Family members who had come to their senses stammered their response, hurriedly found a bamboo sword, and respectfully presented it to the former master.
When the bamboo sword entered the old man's hand, every disciple in black showed delight on their faces.
They firmly believed that Long Yi would not be able to cause even the slightest ripple before Yatogami Soshu.
"A bamboo sword? Better not."
Long Yi glanced at Yatogami Soshu's empty waist, steadied himself, and smiled faintly.
"Here, use this."
He tossed Purple Pill