The world of Type-Moon starts with saving Altria!

"We're here—"

Kondo Shusuke looked at the ceiling above his head. The unique sunlight of the winter sun now fell on the center of the dojo, leaving a large area of light and shadow.

"So……"

“Who will be the first?”

As Kondo Shusuke said this, he drew his sword and pointed it at the three people who came together.

"Let me make this clear first—"

"No matter what, I will not show mercy."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Kondo Shusuke's words sounded like a warning.

However, Ian and the other two had already been mentally prepared - their master was just that kind of person, and he would be particularly strict as long as it involved things related to the natural rational flow.

but……

It is precisely because of this.

Only then does the mission have real meaning.

"Master."

Ian took a step forward and came in front of the three people.

"I want to be the first to challenge you."

"is it?"

There was a hint of approval in Kondo Shusuke's eyes when he looked at Ian.

Because the challenges are conducted one after another, the difficulty for the first person to start is actually much higher than that for those who come after him.

But precisely because of this, the first challenger is often the one who is most confident in himself!

"it is good."

"Come on, Saizo, let me see how much you've grown!"

"Well, Master, just wait!"

A few minutes later.

Inside the dojo.

Ian, who changed into a monk's robe, received a blade from Kondo Shusuke.

The only difference from before was that this time, what he held was no longer an everyday wooden sword, but a real weapon that could kill people!

"Toshizo, this is a genuine katana—"

"Are you mentally prepared?"

In response to Kondo Shusuke's question, Ian took a deep breath and nodded.

"Master, when I get it, you should know that I have abandoned all thoughts of retreat."

"Okay, this is the momentum we want!"

"bring it on!"

Kondo Shusuke drew the blade from his waist and pointed it at Ian in front of him.

"Swing the knife at me and let me see what you have learned!"

"Understood!"

As one of the three successors of the "Tenzen Rishin-ryu", Ian learned the bear-shaped sword-wielding method from Kondo Shusuke.

That is, use fierce attacks to continuously suppress the opponent.

He also knew that this would be the part that Kondo Shusuke would focus on in this apprenticeship examination.

"Drink-"

Ian let out a roar, and then pounced towards Kondo Shusuke.

thump—

thump—

thump—

Ian's footsteps shook the dojo, sending out bursts of noise.

Duang——

The two swords intersected, and then the wrestling began.

"Very good—"

Between the sword blades that were staggered in an "X" shape, Kondo Shusuke left his praise.

"Sai San, your strength is no longer the same as that reckless kid you were back then."

"Of course—"

"If everything remains the same as before! Then wouldn't it be like I haven't learned anything from Master?!"

Ian said this, and then used a little more strength.

Duang——

The two men separated because of this.

Then there was another round of wrestling.

With continuous and fierce attacks, Ian showed the strength of a giant bear and continued to suppress Kondo Shusuke.

But he soon discovered that the other party was not panicked by this, but instead cracked it with ease.

The master is always your master.

Ian felt tremendous pressure.

but--

He knew he had to go to Kyoto in order to deal with the unknown "invitation" from Ugly Gozen.

"Drink-"

Ian took a step back, then raised his sword high, as if he was determined to fight to the death.

only……

The unimaginable happened.

Facing Ian's attack, Kondo Shusuke inserted the sword in his hand into the ground, then held it with both hands and watched Ian chop towards him.

At the critical moment.

Ian used all his strength to retract his blade, causing it to stop abruptly above Kondo Shusuke's head.

You didn't understand why Kondo Shusuke suddenly put down his sword.

【But soon, you saw his smile. 】

[That's an expression of relief at your growth.]

[You suddenly understand - this is... his true test!]

“Only when you can control and release force freely can the true meaning of force be realized.”

"Saisan, you passed the test."

Kondo Shusuke showed an approving smile. Although he was actually quite old, he could not hide the wrinkles on his face at this moment.

"..."

Ian was still a little dazed, but Okita Souji rushed up first.

"Sui San!"

"Did you hear—"

"Master said you passed!"

"Eh, um..."

Ian nodded reluctantly.

Seeing his expression, combined with the critical moment just now, Okita Souji lowered his voice and said:

"Sai San, what's wrong?"

"You... feel like something's wrong?"

"It's not that there's anything wrong."

Ian looked at Kondo Shusuke, who had returned to the edge of the dojo and was wiping his sweat with a handkerchief, and his tone became somewhat moved.

"Master... seems to be deliberately letting me go."

"I'm letting you go on purpose?" Okita Souji was a little surprised by this answer. "What does that mean?"

"Just now--"

"During the competition of strength, he clearly had the opportunity to defeat me directly, but he chose to gamble on my ability to hold back..."

"This……"

After Ian said this, Okita Souji finally understood.

"Could it be that Master is trying to find a way for us to become a disciple?"

If you think about it carefully, it is true.

No matter what, Kondo Shusuke is still a master of the Tennen Rishin Flow, and it is not easy to defeat him head-on.

"I think so." Ian answered Okita Souji's guess.

"Master—maybe he wants us to travel to Kyoto too."

"..."

"I see."

Okita Souji's expression became moved.

"Then we must let Master see what we have realized!"

"Otherwise, he would definitely be worried!"

"Master——"

As soon as Okita Souji finished saying this, he turned around and shouted to Kondo Shusuke who was not far away.

"It's my turn!"

"..."

"Okay." Kondo Shusuke stood up.

"You should have the courage to challenge this kind of thing. This is the right successor to the Natural Rishin-ryu!"

【After understanding Kondo Shusuke's intention, you are no longer so nervous. 】

As a master of the Natural Rishin-ryu School, he obviously hopes that you, his disciples, can go out and explore the world.

【And Kyoto is the best choice. 】

[If you think about it this way, this graduation exam is actually more of a farewell to you.]

【I want to see what my apprentice has learned.】

[That’s probably the mentality.]

【Yes. 】

He doesn't want to make things difficult for you.