Copper Head, Iron Arms?
Shouldn't it be called "Indestructible Diamond Body" instead?!
Looking at the tall youth standing far away, seemingly completely unharmed, Yagyu Souichirou couldn't help but complain inwardly.
After all, under the full force of his earlier strike, even a real copper-cast, iron-forged skull should have been smashed to pieces.
"How about it?" Isshin grinned, his smile full of the sharp, unrestrained arrogance unique to young people. "Did I pass the test, President?"
The scene fell into a strange, subtle silence. Everyone's eyes darted back and forth between Isshin standing proudly in the center and Yagyu Souichirou barely holding himself up.
Shock, bewilderment, awe, and complex emotions filled the shattered dojo.
Yagyu Souichirou stayed silent for a few breaths, then took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the roiling blood and Cakra and the numbness in his arms as he slowly stood up.
"Hmph." He snorted. "Since I already gave my word earlier, I naturally won't go back on it."
His gaze swept across the entire dojo before finally landing on Isshin. In a deep voice, he declared:
"From this moment on, you are officially recognized by the Akame Castle Swordsmanship Association as a master instructor. You have the qualifications to open a dojo in Akame Castle and pass on your Ashina Style."
"Isshin-sensei."
"Haha!" Isshin laughed heartily and gave a casual fist salute. "Then I thank you, President!"
He then turned to the surrounding dojo masters with complicated expressions and laughed boldly:
"Thank you all, fellow masters, for your guidance and witnessing earlier. Since we'll be sharing the same city from now on, I hope we can look after each other in the future."
The dojo masters' facial muscles twitched. They forced out stiff smiles and returned the salute, muttering polite words like "Congratulations, Isshin-sensei," "Truly talented at such a young age," and "We look forward to exchanging pointers later."
After the pleasantries, Isshin suddenly seemed to remember something. He turned back to Yagyu Souichirou, blinked, and asked:
"President, now that I'm officially allowed to open a dojo, according to our customs here, isn't there supposed to be some kind of proper ceremony? Like announcing it to the whole city, throwing a banquet, letting everyone get to know me?"
Yagyu Souichirou's brows furrowed. He snorted irritably:
"A ceremony? Do you think this is a festival or a wedding? There's no need for that kind of flashy nonsense! Or do you want to beat drums and gongs so the entire Akame Castle knows you've arrived?"
"Hey, President, you hit the nail on the head!" Isshin's eyes lit up instead of getting annoyed. His smile grew even brighter as he spoke bluntly and honestly:
"To be honest with you, I've always loved fame! Why do I practice the sword? Besides proving my path, isn't it to make a name for myself and let more people know about the Ashina Style? The more lively, the better!"
"You…" Yagyu Souichirou was momentarily choked by the youth's shameless, straightforward ambition. He was about to say something more when—
A man dressed in simple warrior attire, clearly a guard, quickly stepped forward and whispered a few words respectfully into Yagyu Souichirou's ear.
After the guard retreated, Yagyu Souichirou looked at Isshin again and snorted coldly:
"You want a big, publicized ceremony?"
"Yes!"
"Then follow me!"
...
Inside the Akame Castle City Lord's Mansion.
Yagyu Souichirou briefly explained the situation. When he finished, Takeda Nobutsuna spoke slowly.
He asked for no details and skipped the pleasantries. His conditions were direct and practical:
The City Lord's Mansion could make an exception and hold a grand enough recognition ceremony for this newly appointed "Ashina Style" master instructor—grand enough to spread across the entire city and fulfill his desire for fame.
Not only that, they would also have people widely publicize the matter throughout the southeastern region of the Land of Iron afterward.
The condition was simple: Isshin must represent Akame Castle in the next National Swordsmanship Tournament of the Land of Iron.
This tournament held the same weight and significance to the warriors of the Land of Iron as the Jonin selection exams did for the Five Great Ninja Villages.
It was the ultimate arena for martial skill, and a ladder to fame and power.
Those who excelled would be granted the nationally recognized title of "Sword Hero," and might even receive direct military promotion, stepping into the nation's power structure with a general's rank.
Isshin listened and agreed without the slightest hesitation. This so-called condition was exactly what he wanted!
His fundamental purpose in coming to the Land of Iron was to use battle to cultivate fame, and fame to prove his path—rapidly gathering enough public perception to push his Swordsman class toward higher tiers like Sword Master or even Sword Hero.
The National Swordsmanship Tournament was the most ideal, broadest stage possible.
Takeda Nobutsuna's proposal was essentially pushing him onto this express lane, complete with a grand starting ceremony and pre-event publicity.
...
Several days later, a fresh wave of hot discussion spread through Akame Castle like ink dropped into a pond, quickly dyeing every street and alley.
"Have you heard? A remarkable young swordsman has arrived in our Akame Castle. He's been officially recognized by the Association as a master instructor!"
"More than heard! The commotion from the 'Seishin Meichi Style' dojo in the southern district that day could be heard half a street away. It sounded like they were tearing the building down!"
"They say President Yagyu personally tested his worth… and apparently half the dojo collapsed."
"Really? How strong must he be? I heard he's really young!"
"The City Lord's Mansion and the Swordsmanship Association jointly issued a public notice. In three days, they'll hold a recognition ceremony for him in Central Square—a grand event that hasn't happened in years!"
Curiosity, doubt, anticipation, awe… all sorts of emotions mixed into casual conversations over tea and meals.
A young outsider who had barged into the city with such a domineering attitude was inherently full of topic potential.
Three days later, Central Square was packed with people.
On the high platform, Major General Takeda Nobutsuna and President Yagyu Souichirou stood side by side in formal attire, their expressions solemn.
Below, the city's notable warriors, dojo masters, and countless curious citizens who had come after hearing the news completely filled the square.
The ceremony was concise yet solemn. Under the eyes of the crowd, Takeda Nobutsuna personally announced the official recognition of "Ashina Style Isshin," while Yagyu Souichirou, on behalf of the Swordsmanship Association, awarded the plaque and documents symbolizing the right to open a dojo.
There were no long-winded speeches, but the simultaneous appearance of Akame Castle's two most powerful figures carried more weight than a thousand words.
Under the sunlight, Isshin—dressed in simple swordsman attire—accepted the tokens and stood tall. His figure was deeply imprinted into the eyes of countless spectators.
His name, along with the unfamiliar school "Ashina Style," was officially carved into Akame Castle's collective consciousness at that moment.
However, after the excitement of the ceremony died down, the newly appointed young master instructor did not do what everyone expected—eagerly open a grand dojo, recruit disciples, and quickly convert his fame into real power and profit.
Instead, his behavior left people somewhat puzzled.
He didn't set up a fixed dojo. He simply rented a quiet courtyard.
Every morning or afternoon, people would see him carrying an ordinary katana, like a lion patrolling his territory.
He moved unhurriedly through the streets and alleys of Akame Castle, from the bustling main roads to the quiet residential districts. His footprints seemed to cover the entire city.
Occasionally, when he reached an open area—whether a market square, a bridge, or a wide intersection—and saw a crowd gathering, he would suddenly stop.
Regardless of the curious, appraising, or awed looks cast his way, he would find an empty spot and begin practicing.
He trained with such calm focus, so completely immersed, as if the surrounding crowd, the whispers, and even the entire Akame Castle were merely background scenery for his sword practice.
After finishing and sheathing his blade, his breathing steady, he would once again continue his patrol like a lion on the prowl, leaving behind a trail of speculation and discussion.
What exactly does this young Master Isshin want to do?
Is he simply using this unique method to make even more people remember his face and his sword?
Or is he using the entire city as a whetstone, quietly sharpening something?
No one knew the answer, and time quietly flowed on in this seemingly casual daily routine.
...