Edo, Little Ishikawa Hoshimura Willow Street, Shiwei Hall—
Squawk! Squawk! Squawk!
The crows outside send annoying caws.
The sunset had long fully dipped below the horizon, dyeing the clouds in the sky red.
Since it's now closing time, the dojo of Shiwei Hall is empty—only one person remains in the center of the dojo.
Aoto, without any protective gear, holds a bamboo sword and closes his eyes tightly.
You can see him sometimes squatting, sometimes standing up, sometimes stepping forward, sometimes swinging his sword at the air... At first glance, it might seem like Aoto has lost his mind, fighting and wrestling with the air, but in fact, Aoto is engaging in a "combat simulation."
——Back then... if I could have taken just half a step more forward, I would have been able to further suppress Shinno…
Scenes and details from the solo duel with Shinno five days ago repeatedly play and replay in Aoto's mind.
Recalling that battle.
