An eighth-rank King of a Lostbelt essentially wielded the combined power of an entire pantheon, capable of destroying continents.
A ninth-rank Transcendent could shatter planets.
The gap between every rank was like heaven and earth.
For example, there was a difference of several million times between Big Ivan and World-Destroying, while the gap between World-Destroying and Planet-Shattering was five billion times.
It basically seemed reasonable.
In the early stages, it would not be difficult for the protagonist to reach Heroic Spirit-level combat power, but reaching World-Destroying or Planet-Shattering levels would be somewhat slower. The leap in strength was simply too vast.
The Peerless Sword Saint Appears—Hideyoshi's Gender Is Hideyoshi!
Three days earlier.
Ryudō Temple, beneath the moonlight.
"I finally got Miyamoto Musashi's personally written Niten Ichi-ryū manuscript."
"It really took quite some effort..."
"This should let me summon Musashi, right?"
"A great swordsman of the Warring States period. As a local Heroic Spirit, he already had first-rate strength and would receive a fame bonus. If he could descend as a Saber Class Servant, then I'd definitely win this Holy Grail War!"
A clear voice rang out within the tranquil temple, carrying the gentle air of a young boy.
Moscow, Washington, Libya, Singapore...
Countless people raised their brows with interest and stared fixedly at the Heavenly Curtain.
After the Archer pair, another interesting duo seemed about to make their entrance.
"Trying to summon Musashi?"
"That person certainly has good taste."
"But judging from the Swallow Reversal shown in the PV, it seems he summoned Musashi's rival, Kojirou."
"According to the legends, Sasaki Kojiro was powerful too!"
"The Secret Sword: Swallow Return is invincible!"
Japan's sea of clouds.
Amid mountains encircling the land.
"Musashi..."
Shuten-doji murmured to herself, a trace of excitement mixed into her nostalgic gaze.
Several hundred years ago, that powerful swordsman had stood before her and delivered a blade strike beyond thought.
Dazzling and breathtaking, that memory had not faded with the passage of time. Instead, as it slowly fermented, it had become an indelible color within her heart.
"Even if it isn't you, let me see just how powerful Sasaki Kojiro, who shares your name, truly is!"
The woman sat upon her throne, laughing as she drank.
The Parallel World hypothesis—how interesting!
"Let your body rest beneath my command; let my fate be bound to your sword."
"Answer the summons of the Holy Grail. Heed this will and reason, and respond to me!"
"I am one who accomplishes all good deeds in this world. I am the embodiment of all evil in this world."
"Entwined within the seven days of the three great words of power."
"Cross the wheel of restraint and appear—the guardian of the scales."
As the incantation took effect.
The camera slowly shifted, leaving countless people stunned.
The students of Fumizuki Academy's high school division were especially shocked, crying out when they saw that familiar figure.
"Isn't that freaking Hideyoshi?"
Heavenly Curtain World.
Everyone turned in the same direction, their gazes filled with astonishment.
Kinoshita Hideyoshi, dressed in a sailor uniform and looking uncannily like a beautiful young girl, was dumbfounded too.
Why the hell was he appearing in the story?
Wait, could it be that he was the master of the sword saint Sasaki Kojiro?
Ahead of him, a serious-looking brown-haired beauty wore a white miniskirt. Her white stockings showed off her stunning long legs, while a trace of masculine gallantry blended with her charm, making her even more alluring.
The nascent Command Spells on her hand grew increasingly crimson.
Upon the raised platform lay an ancient Holy Relic.
The tattered manuscript danced in the wind, its mottled words steeped in the weight of history.
Azure magical radiance spilled from beneath her feet, instantly enveloping the vast temple.
Countless currents of icy air surged as fierce winds swept through the hall.
Within the radiance, a carefree and composed figure suddenly appeared.
"Yo. I am Assassin Class, summoned in answer to your call. Are you my master?"
The swordsman wore a dashing smile. Dressed in a pale purple kimono, with a dark blue ponytail and his arms folded across his chest, he had somehow acquired a twig between his lips.
Handsome features and elegant speech—those were Hideyoshi's first impressions of him.
Holding onto his doubts, Kinoshita Hideyoshi asked the first question of their meeting.
"Are you Lord Miyamoto Musashi?"
"No, I am... Sasaki Kojiro, a mere nobody~."
The blue-haired swordsman smiled calmly.
Seeing the elegant swordsman on the Heavenly Curtain, everyone's eyes flashed with amazement.
"So handsome!"
"He's insanely cool!"
"My God, the way he talks is absolutely mesmerizing!"
"Everyone, look over here! I have an announcement: I'm Lord Kojirou's most loyal fan!"
"Another handsome guy paired with a beautiful girl. Good, very good!"
"I love that girl's outfit too!"
"What an adorable master..."
"What adorable master? That's obviously my wife!"
"Wife, wife, wife, wife, wife, wife!!"
"Wake up, person upstairs! Stop dreaming in broad daylight!"
"Disgusting otaku!"
Countless discussions erupted all around the world.
Unlike Archer, whose identity could not be guessed, Sasaki Kojiro's name was famous far and wide!
He was a sword saint whose entire life had been filled with legend.
It was said that even swallows soaring through the sky could not fly beyond the reach of his blade.
His swordsmanship surpassed all others of his era. He was a peerless prodigy who had dominated an age during Japan's Warring States period!
At the same time, Hideyoshi, Kojirou's master, also drew immense attention. His stunning appearance won the affection of countless people, who all called him their wife.
But as the Heavenly Curtain's elegant voice rang out, countless boys felt their hearts shatter.
At Ryudō Temple, the Blue-Clad Swordsman curled his lips into a slightly flamboyant smile, his eyes narrowed. "I never expected that this descent would let me partner with such a beautiful young lady. How delightful."
The brown-haired girl blushed faintly. "Ah... Mr. Sasaki, you misunderstand."
"How so?"
The Blue-Clad Swordsman was somewhat surprised. Was she unhappy because he was not Miyamoto Musashi?
He awkwardly scratched his head. "...Is there a possibility that this old man is not a girl?"
"..."
Kojirou looked at him in disbelief, carefully examining his pale neck. The moment he spotted the Adam's apple, he fell silent.
Had men in later generations all become like this?
At that moment, the entire world was shocked!
"Fake! It's all fake! How could someone this pretty possibly be a boy?!"
"Damn it, no matter how you look at him, he's undeniably a beautiful girl!"
"I thought a girl's only enemy was another girl. Who knew... sob."
"I actually lost to a boy. What is this complicated feeling?"
"Damn, I almost turned gay."
"I finally fell for someone once, and you made me lose so thoroughly!"
"It's fine. This is exactly my type!"
"Brother Jie was me all along!"
"I don't believe it, I don't believe it... She is absolutely, absolutely a girl!"
"I already said this old man is a boy!"
In the Heavenly Curtain World, Hideyoshi helplessly covered his face.
Idiots, at least accept reality properly!
The Assassin Pair's Excellent Compatibility, a Luxurious Status Panel!
Kojirou remained silent for a long while before recovering. With a smile on his lips, he asked, "Though it is surprising, master, what should I call you?"
"This old man... is Kinoshita Hideyoshi. Just call me Hideyoshi."
The brown-haired beauty replied calmly, neither humble nor overbearing, with a carefree gallantry in his bearing.
The Blue-Clad Swordsman's pupils contracted slightly. After his surprise, he quickly understood and smiled. "I see. No wonder master looked somewhat familiar to me. Then it is no surprise that you summoned me."
"Mr. Sasaki, do you know why I failed to summon Musashi?"
"Yes. Master resembles my old friend Hashiba Tōkichirō Hideyoshi by seventy to eighty percent..."
"Who is Hashiba Tōkichirō Hideyoshi?"
Hideyoshi scratched his head, his eyes full of confusion.
As everyone knew, his history grades were worse than those of some elementary school students. He was a complete idiot.
"...That is a long story."
Kojirou laughed speechlessly and looked up at the dim moon in the sky, his expression complicated.
"Idiot, that's Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the famous general from the Warring States period!"
In the Heavenly Curtain World, a chestnut-haired beauty complained softly.
Before you continue