Upon hearing this, Soichiro Yagyu's expression softened slightly, but the doubt in his eyes did not completely disappear.
Even if there is some connection between their teachers, such behavior is still too ostentatious.
He glanced at the name Isshin on the documents, and then at the list of defeated dojos while tapping his fingers lightly on the table.
"It seems he wants to make a name for himself by stepping on other people's reputations."
Soichiro Yagyu's voice turned colder: "Since this hothead is almost at Akazonae City, then, according to the rules, someone should teach him what swordsmanship is and what respect is."
Upon hearing this, Takeda Nobutsuna smiled instead: "He really needs to be taught some manners, but Soichiro..."
He then changed the subject: "According to reports from various institutions along the way, although this young man is reckless, his talent and strength are both top-notch. It would be a pity to simply teach him a lesson and let him wander aimlessly, or make enemies of him."
He tapped the documents with his finger and continued, "What I mean is, once he has learned his lesson and understands the immensity of the world, we might try to recruit him. If he is willing to abide by the rules and has the skills, he can represent our Akazonae City in the next National Swordsmanship Tournament."
"Hmph, he'll have to get past me first."
Soichiro Yagyu's voice was unquestionable, carrying the unique arrogance of a swordsman: "Rules are rules. Since he has chosen the most difficult path, he must be prepared to bear the heaviest lessons. As for whether we can use him later, and how to use him, that's a matter for later."
He slightly raised his hand, as if grasping something, and his aura suddenly became heavy and solid: "My iron rod will let this hothead experience what it means to have a tranquil mind and enlightened wisdom."
Although Soichiro Yagyu was renowned as a swordsman, his primary weapon was not a sword, but a specially made iron rod that was incredibly heavy.
The so-called 'tranquil mind and enlightened wisdom' refers to his ability to enlighten his opponent with a single blow.
Whether one can attain enlightenment is debatable, but the effect of making one's eyes see stars and instantly achieve tranquility and wisdom is widely acknowledged to be immediate and effective, which is the origin of the Tranquil Mind and Enlightened Wisdom Dojo.
"Very well."
Takeda Nobutsuna shook his head with a smile: "Then let's see if this young swordsman of the Ashina Style can be enlightened by your blow."
Several days later, in Akazonae City.
The midday sun shines on the majestic city gate and the bluestone-paved streets, giving this town, famous for its forging, a warm glow.
A figure stood against the flow of people at the city gate.
He was an exceptionally tall and imposing young man with a straight back like a pine tree; he was none other than Isshin, who had traveled north from the southern border.
As was his custom, he planned to first find a tavern or market to find out who the best fighter was.
However, as soon as he stepped into the shadows of the city gate passageway, before he could even take a good look at the city, a group of people surged towards him on the main street ahead.
The newcomers were all dressed in neat, dark-colored dojo robes, moved swiftly, and had unfriendly eyes; they had clearly been waiting for a long time.
They quickly spread out in a semi-circle, blocking the path of those determined to move forward.
The leader, a valiant disciple, stepped forward, chin slightly raised, his tone brimming with undisguised arrogance: "You're Isshin, right? My master wants to see you!"
Isshin's gaze swept over the group of people who clearly had ill intentions, his expression remaining calm as he simply asked, "Who is your master?"
The disciple straightened his chest and spoke in a booming voice: "The number one swordsman in the southeast of the Land of Iron! The president of the Akazonae City Swordsmanship Association! Founder of the Tranquil Mind and Enlightened Wisdom Dojo! The man who once drove back a mountain flood with a single strike and single-handedly guarded Broken Dragon Gorge! Granted the title Iron Gallant by the General himself! The swordsman whose fame shakes the southeast—"
"Stop! Stop!"
Isshin made a stop gesture and pointed to the street inside the city gate, which wasn't particularly wide.
"There's not enough room for all these people here."
"You!"
Upon hearing this, the disciples of the Tranquil Mind and Enlightened Wisdom Dojo were immediately enraged and were about to teach this arrogant fool who dared to mock their master's name a lesson.
"Alright, alright."
Isshin seemed not to have seen their actions: "Your master told you to lead the way, not to fight me. Don't waste time, hurry up and lead the way."
That calm yet slightly urging demeanor only made the disciples, who were holding back their anger, feel a lump in their throats.
The leading disciple glared at Isshin fiercely, his chest heaving violently.
Finally remembering his master's explicit instructions, he could only let out a heavy snort while suppressing his anger, and turned away, uttering two harsh words: "Let's go!"
The group walked through the wide streets of Akazonae City, the atmosphere silent and tense. The disciple leading the way walked swiftly, as if trying to shake off the trouble behind him with speed.
Isshin followed at a leisurely pace, his gaze sweeping over the blacksmith workshops and sword shops lining both sides of the street, listening to the rhythmic clanging sounds coming from inside, his expression calm, as if he were on a tour.
Before long, the group arrived at a rather large and solemn mansion in the city.
With its black tiles and white walls, the tall gate bears a plaque inscribed with the four characters, tranquil mind, enlightened wisdom, in a powerful and vigorous style.
Stepping through the gate and passing through the meticulously maintained courtyard, they arrive at the main dojo.
The dojo was extremely spacious.
At this moment, the two sides of the dojo were not empty, but occupied by a dozen or so middle-aged or elderly people with solemn auras and different clothes.
Some of them crossed their arms, while others sat upright, their eyes sharp as lightning, all fixed on Isshin as he stepped into the dojo.
These people were all prominent dojo masters or renowned instructors in Akazonae City.
An invisible pressure permeated the air, so solemn that you could hear a pin drop.
At the main seat directly in front of the dojo stood a tall and robust middle-aged man, as imposing as an iron tower. He wore a dark gray kendo uniform with a simple haori over it. His square face had strong lines, and his eyes were slightly closed beneath his thick eyebrows, as if he were dozing.
What is most eye-catching is a round iron rod that is completely black and whose material is indiscernible, placed beside him. Just by lying there quietly, it gives people a sense of weight and an undeniable quality.
This man was none other than Soichiro Yagyu, the founder of the Tranquil Mind and Enlightened Wisdom Dojo, the president of the Akazonae City Swordsmanship Association, and a Master Swordsman.