Land of Samurai

Hawkeye didn't understand, but Ryan could. After all, Rayleigh had retired into seclusion here to stay away from conflict. If he agreed to Hawkeye's challenge today, would he have to agree to Cat-Eye's tomorrow, then Dog-Eye's after that?

Once that precedent was set, his secluded life would be ruined. Some high-ranking Marines actually knew Rayleigh was living in seclusion here, but because of his strength and the fact that he hadn't caused trouble for over a decade, they turned a blind eye. There was no need to create an enemy for the Marines out of nowhere.

"Mihawk, it's fine. There are plenty of formidable swordsmen in this world. Some places regularly produce exceptional swordsmen."

"Besides, Teacher Rayleigh really is getting old. At his age, he's gradually becoming unable to do what he used to. He was already declining a few years ago, so he's probably even worse off now. Do you really have the heart to bully an old man?"

As Rayleigh's disciple, Ryan had every reason to step forward and help his teacher out of this predicament.

After saying that, Ryan gave Rayleigh a look: Teacher Rayleigh, see how good I am to you?

However, Ryan had spoken without thinking, while Rayleigh took it to heart. Hearing Ryan's words, Rayleigh parted his lips slightly, as though he wanted to argue, but when he saw Hawkeye's regretful expression and Ryan's smug look, Rayleigh chose to silently bear it all.

But Rayleigh failed to notice Shakuyaku's expression behind him.

After hearing this, Shakuyaku looked at Rayleigh with sudden understanding. No wonder he had been intimate with her less and less often in recent years, and for shorter and shorter periods. She had thought he might have found some young girl outside, but after hearing Ryan's explanation, she understood everything. She had