Daily life of a teacher in the martial arts department

Himura Dan's sudden emergence crushed all the contestants; no one could withstand three moves from him, and he swept aside his opponents to claim the championship. This should have been the most triumphant moment for him and the Teishin-ryu school. However, during his championship acceptance speech, he openly declared that his school was not Teishin-ryu, but rather Tenchi Kyubu.

In the Seven Luminaries, you can choose any martial arts style you like, as long as you're happy. But in Ouma, a martial arts style is everything to a fighter. Himura Tan's actions were tantamount to betraying the Teishin-ryu, and he indeed disappeared without a trace afterward. More than a year ago, he reappeared, crushing the Sword Saint with unbelievable strength. Then, half a month ago, at the World Martial Arts Tournament, he astonished all the heroes, becoming famous throughout the world, instantly surpassing the Nephalem, the Ten Commandments, and Athos, and joining Ying Qin Guan in the ranks of peerless masters.

Even at his peak, the Sword Saint was only half a peerless master.

It's safe to say that things are completely different now.

When we first met, he was a dirty little devil who dared not look people in the eye; when we met again, he had become a peerless master renowned throughout the world.

Looking at the spirited and confident Himura Tan's figure, Naruto suddenly realized, "And what about me? What have I become...?" After the Sword Saint's death, in order to return and take charge, she abandoned her studies at the Seven Luminaries, hoping to preserve their legacy. But in the end, she still made a mess of the Imperial Heart. At first, she was a pampered little princess, but what is she now?

That simple phrase, "Long time no see," contains so much meaning; who but Mingyin herself knows?

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Himura Tan's smile was her response. Naruto had mentally written at least a two-thousand-word essay just to say those words. However, Himura Tan's side didn't take it seriously at all. He walked away as if he had just met an old classmate with whom he had no particular relationship on the street, exchanged greetings, and had no intention of continuing the conversation.

"Himura..." Naruto, unwilling to see him leave, called softly, "Have you come to pay respects to your father?"

"Yes." Hisumura Tanzakura nodded and smiled. "I promised you something back then, and now that I'm back in Osaka, I need to take care of it."

Naruto knew that the "adult" that Hisumura Danzai mentioned was her father. Just as she was about to ask what it was about, she heard a flurry of footsteps.

Mingyin turned her head and saw that it was one of the two factions that split off from the Emperor's Heart School, the faction led by the eldest brother.

Chapter Thirty-One: Clash

The current situation of the Imperial Heart School is very special.

The eldest and second eldest disciples of the Teishin-ryu school both considered themselves to be orthodox and wanted to obtain the title of orthodox. In the Seven Luminaries, whether a school is orthodox or not is irrelevant. For example, with the Tsuyuu school, it doesn't matter who you learn from. Does orthodoxy make a difference? No. But in Oumaru, the word "orthodoxy" is extremely important. The general of the dojo must be orthodox, otherwise the dojo cannot even continue to operate.

The Imperial Heart School has split into two factions, both of which want to become the legitimate successor. So, who is the key?

—Of course, it's a chime.

Emotionally, she is the junior sister of the dojo and the most beloved granddaughter of the Sword Saint. The Sword Saint had also hinted that marrying her would be equivalent to inheriting the Imperial Heart Style dojo. Legally, she is also the successor of the dojo.

From both a moral and logical standpoint, as long as Mingyin can be dealt with, wouldn't the title of the legitimate successor of the Imperial Heart School be easily obtained?

—The premise is that the strength difference between the two factions is not too great; otherwise, if the other side attacks and you are wiped out, what use is the orthodox title?

Therefore, Mingyin has been exhausted these days because of dealing with them... Both sides want to be the legitimate successors, and the best way, of course, is to marry Mingyin. But modern times are not ancient times; you can't just bully men and women like that. Besides, the Sword Saint's disciples only want to claim legitimacy; they're not that bad. As long as Mingyin is willing to stand up and declare that one side is the legitimate successor of the Imperial Heart School, the matter can be resolved. It's not like she has to marry him.

The Sword Saint's eldest disciple, the senior disciple of the Teishin-ryu Dojo, is named Kamikaze Ichiro. He is in his early thirties, with a calm expression and a robust build, appearing very composed. However, the moment he saw Himura Dan's Sakura, he lost his composure, and his expression changed drastically.

"It's you?!"

Who is Himura Tanzakura?

A peerless master!

He utterly crushed all the top-tier opponents he encountered in the martial arts tournament, eliminating countless unfortunate souls. Thus, his fame resounded throughout the world. Even if the Sword Saint were still alive, the Imperial Heart Style would be nothing compared to him, let alone now that the Sword Saint was dead.

Besides, Hiramura Tan's relationship with Naruto was ambiguous before, and the Sword Saint had even considered him as his grandson-in-law. Now that he's returning with such a high profile, how could Kamikaze Ichiro not feel pressured?

"Ah...you look familiar, but I can't quite place you right now. Mingyin, what's this fellow disciple's name again?"

Hishimura Tanzaku smiled, but his words were utterly disrespectful. Whether he had truly forgotten or was feigning it, his demeanor was suffocating.

".."

Naruto didn't answer Himura Tansaku, because such words were too embarrassing.

"Himura!" Kamikaze Ichiro said, somewhat annoyed. "You've become so powerful now that you've even forgotten your senior's name!"

"Exactly! Yes!" Hishimura Tan's hands clapped suddenly, and he laughed loudly, "Himura Tan's is just a conceited and arrogant scoundrel who thinks he's above everyone else after gaining power. So, this nobody, do you have any advice for me?"

Kamikaze Ichiro's face turned pale with anger, and the people behind him subconsciously took a few steps back. Hishamura Tan's arrogant attitude made them feel pressured. Who was Hishamura Tan? He was the man who had been slapped by Ying Qin Guan so hard that he smashed through dozens of walls. He was the man who still went to the Sword Saint's Mansion to show off even in such a disadvantageous situation. If he could play like this in a disadvantageous situation, what would he do in a favorable situation?

"Himura...don't do this." Naruto called softly. Seeing Himura Tan's voice again, her emotions were too complicated. If Himura Tan's voice hadn't left the Sword Saint's Mansion and had stayed there, would he be married to her now and become the new general of the Imperial Heart School?

More than a year ago, Himura Tanzaku threw her sword, almost severing Naruto's heart, but now it seems... she failed.

Himura Tanzaku shrugged and chuckled:

"My teacher, throughout your life, while not a hero, you certainly had the air of a powerful figure. How come, apart from me, you haven't had a single decent disciple... Yet I'm practically self-taught. This is truly..."

As he spoke, he shook his head helplessly, as if he truly felt sorry for the Sword Saint.

Kamikaze Ichiro knew he had to step forward and say something. However, before he could utter a single word, Himura Dan's expression suddenly changed, and she drew her long sword from her waist. This action horrified Kamikaze Ichiro, as Himura Dan's speed was completely beyond his ability to contend with.

Amidst the horrified expressions of the crowd, Himura Danzao remained indifferent. He didn't use his sword, but instead gripped the scabbard with his other hand and swiftly slashed at Kamikaze Ichiro's knee, instantly knocking him to his knees. Before he could even rise, Himura Danzao used the scabbard as a blade, pressing it against Kamikaze Ichiro's neck. Kamikaze Ichiro was physically weak, one of the least physically capable among his peers. However, against ordinary martial artists, he was like a god descended from heaven, utterly impossible to contend with.

"Look what you're all doing..."

Himura Tanzaku remained calm, pressing Kamikaze Ichiro down with one hand, preventing him from standing up and forcing him to kneel on the ground.

"Such a despicable level of skill, unwilling to leave the protection of their elders' prestigious reputation, treating the school's name as their last refuge, clinging to it like a vampire, shamelessly demanding..."

Hisumura Tanzakura's expression remained calm, but her voice gradually grew louder.

"Kamikaze... I think that's what he's called, but I can't quite remember. You don't deserve to be called Senior Brother, so I won't call you that anymore. Look at yourself, what kind of person are you? Over the years, you haven't made a name for yourself in the Imperial Heart Style. If it's because you've truly reached the end, I won't say anything more. But in fact, you've just been focusing your energy on other things."

Himura Tanzaku continued to exert her strength, pressing Kamikaze Ichiro's face onto the bluestone-paved ground.

"You know it yourself, right? Although the country of Sakuraman is known as the capital of martial artists, it has long been abandoned by them. Even in this day and age, they are still stubbornly clinging to sectarianism. The techniques between different schools are kept strictly secret, and they never mention exchanging information. Whether this is good or bad, I'm sure you all know the answer. Under these circumstances, choosing to stay here and fight for the so-called orthodox name of a school... Are you a martial artist? I'm sure you know the answer in your heart."

"Himura!" As Himura spoke, he slightly loosened his grip, giving Kamikaze Ichiro a chance to speak. "Whether I'm a martial artist or not, what does it matter? What's wrong with wanting to uphold the school my master left behind!"

"Defend...?"

Himura Danzao finally couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.

"Come on, say it again in front of Naruto: are you going to protect it or take it?"

Kamikaze Ichiro was pinned to the ground by Himura Dan's wife in front of everyone. He was furious, but he still managed to retain a sliver of reason when he spoke.

“She is all alone and has no one to rely on. How can she keep all this? I am helping her.”

Himura Tan's surprise was: "This is a society governed by law now. The secret manuals of various schools are all there. They won't be lost. How could they not be preserved?"

Kamikaze Ichiro roared, "Don't you know how many scumbags are eyeing the Teishin-ryu?!"

"What I'm saying is, is it possible..." Hishimura Tanzaku chuckled lightly, "that you are the scumbag."

Chapter Thirty-Two: Helping You

Himura Danzao is in a rather peculiar position.

Those who can out-argue him can't beat him; those who can beat him can't out-argue him.

The correct way to deal with him is to fight those you can't argue with, and to use words to deal with those you can't beat. The wrong way to deal with him is naturally to fight those you can't beat and to use words to deal with those you can't argue with.

But in reality, in most cases, others can neither argue with him nor beat him.

Just like now, Himura Tanzaku lured Kamikaze Ichiro in with a few words and then utterly annihilated him. It can be said that the two are not even in the same league.

"Fearing that the Imperial Heart School would be taken over by bad guys outside, and to prevent that from happening, he became that bad guy himself. See, what perfect logic!" Himura Danzao clapped in praise. "What else do you want to say? Let me guess. Afraid of the school's decline? But that reason isn't enough..."

Kamikaze Ichiro had been refuted by Himura Dan's words and was speechless. His face was ashen, and he was unable to bear the double blow to his body and mind.

"Let's go back and think about it."

Himura Tan's magnanimity was commendable. Sheathed his sword, and Kamikaze Ichiro glanced at him fearfully before leaving with his men.

Naruto stood before the grave and whispered, "Himurura... he was right. I couldn't hold onto these things. Even with the Imperial Heart Stream in my hands, it was destined for ruin."

"Does this mean that the Imperial Heart School can achieve glory in the hands of a second-rate martial artist like him?" Hisumura Tan's voice paused, then her expression turned serious. "Besides, this is originally yours. That's the most important thing. It's yours, and you can do whatever you want with it. Any other arguments are just attempts to seize it if you don't want to. You gave up your studies at Seven Luminaries and came back here. Did you just do that to let go?"

Mingyin clutched her head, saying painfully, "Of course not, but... I have no choice. I don't know what to do. I'm not a decent martial artist, and I don't understand the essence of any martial arts style."

She's been back in Ouma for over a year, yet she hasn't accomplished anything she should have done. This is partly because she's a woman, and partly because she's not a decent martial artist—the latter being more important, but the former is certainly a contributing factor.

"That's why I've come here." Hisumura Tanzakura said calmly, "Naruto, I promised your father that I should have protected our teacher. But our teacher was determined to die, and I couldn't stop him. So it was your turn... I want to hear your thoughts first. How do you intend to deal with the Teishin-ryu? Don't worry about the difficulties. Just tell me, and I'll find a solution."

“Himura…” Naruto recalled the past with a bitter tone, and asked, “Will you help me… because of Father?”

"Yes, we will." Hisumura Tan's head turned to look. The tombstones of the Sword Saint and his son were leaning together. He thought of the person who changed his life and felt a little melancholy.

He said softly, "If I don't help you, who will I help?"

-

The Yorozuya infiltrated Yoshiwara once again.

Yu Xietian could come and go freely in the Sword Saint's Mansion, let alone in a place like this. Shen Xin was also a magician, and the two easily found their way to a courtyard full of fallen cherry blossoms.

This was the intelligence they had gathered—the residence of the courtesan. It wasn't exactly a secret; many people came to visit every day, but very few actually got to see her.

The two from Yorozuya took an unconventional approach, scaling the wall and sneaking inside. They were lucky; the courtesan was in the courtyard, sitting at a stone table, enjoying tea and admiring the cherry blossoms.

She looked to be about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, with long, dark hair cascading down her waist and a melancholy gaze. Even in casual clothes, her stunning beauty was undeniable.

The target of Yorozuya's trip was Tsukimei, one of the top courtesans in Yoshiwara, a master of calligraphy and painting, proficient in all four arts, who only sold her art and not her body.

"I admit she's somewhat attractive."

Shenxin raised the small blackboard to indicate his approval, and then the two of them stopped concealing their figures.

Yu Xietian was worried that the courtesan would shout out, but she had excellent composure, which gave the two from Yorozuya time to speak.

"Please don't be nervous, we mean no harm." Yu Xietian took two steps back, raised his hands, and said, "Our purpose is simple. If you feel offended, you can ask us to leave at any time... So, may I say a few words?"

Yu Xietian's posture was very sincere, and he also maintained a certain distance from the other party. The courtesan hesitated for a moment, stood up, took two steps back, and then said hesitantly, "...Please speak."

Yu Xietian then explained that they came from Qiyao and had heard that Yueming was a master of calligraphy and painting. They wanted to request a calligraphy or painting, originally intending to wait until the Ghost Festival to see if there was an opportunity. However, some things had happened here, and they had to return home early, leaving them with no choice but to resort to this tactic... Of course, they weren't going to take it for free; they were willing to pay a certain price.

That's obviously a lie, but it's almost true. It's not convenient to tell the truth, so I can't exactly say that I bet my friend on the level of your four arts.

"Is this what you came for..." The courtesan, whose stage name was Yueming, lowered her eyes and said softly, "It's alright. I have some calligraphy and paintings in my room. Sending one over won't hurt."

Yu Xietian and Shen Xin exchanged a glance. Things were progressing quite smoothly, but... it wasn't enough.

They needed to confirm that the work was created by the other party themselves. Yu Xietian didn't care, but Shen Xin had always looked down on these so-called courtesans, believing they were just trying to gain attention. If she hadn't seen the painting with her own eyes, then it could be assumed that it was done by someone else. Therefore, Shen Xin wanted to see that the other party had completed it themselves, and this answer naturally did not satisfy her.

Yu Xietian was already used to paying for Shenxin's whims. After a moment's consideration, he said, "To be honest, I especially like Yingman's 'Flowing Water Chronicle'... Could you write one and sell it to me?"

"The Tale of Flowing Water" is a literary form in Ouma, and "The Tale of Flowing Water" is a very famous tale. It can be said that almost every Ouma fan can recite it.

This request was outrageous. Yueming frowned and refused, saying, "You two have come uninvited, which is quite impolite, and you have made so many requests... I must refuse such a request."

That's not true. To put it bluntly, those two from Yorozuya were illegally trespassing on someone else's property and demanding that Tsukimei write a specific calligraphy piece on the spot. It's perfectly normal that he was refused.

But Shenxin was also prepared. She took out a calligraphy scroll from her bosom, which was the "Record of Flowing Water".