Edo, Little Ishikawa Hoshimura Willow Street, Shiwei Hall—
"Shuuzo, I've just gone through our 'apprentice book'. "
In the hall, Kondo Shuuzo sits cross-legged on the floor, holding a cup of steaming hot tea in both hands, blowing cooling air into the cup.
His wife, Kondo Bi, kneels beside Kondo Shuuzo with a posture as standard as can be, reporting on the recent business situation of their Shiwei Hall in a tone devoid of joy or sorrow.
"Since the New Year, it's been a whole month and our Shiwei Hall has only gained 2 new apprentices."
"In a month, only 2 new people... This has been the bleakest month of business for our Shiwei Hall in nearly 5 years."
"Not only are newcomers dwindling, but old members are also reducing."
"By the end of this month, 3 more apprentices who haven't come to practice sword art or paid tuition fees for half a year..."
