Only I Follow the Law: An Unorthodox Tokyo Cultivation Routine.

"Over the years, with the main branch under your control, the temple's operations have gradually shrunk, and the branch's profits have also declined year after year. The elders of the clan are all watching; you must give them an explanation."

Masako Yagyu didn't look at him, but turned to the old man instead.

This is Yagyu Satoru, an elder of the Yagyu family.

He holds a high position in the family and is highly respected. He rarely gets involved in family affairs, so his presence here today speaks volumes.

"You think so too?"

Yagyu Satoru picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and slowly took a sip.

After setting down his teacup, he spoke slowly and deliberately:

"I am only speaking on behalf of the elders. The Yagyu family's swordsmanship is currently in decline, its industries are stagnant, it is facing chaos from the Shinigami (death gods) outside, and everyone in Tokyo is in danger. There is also the possibility of a family split within the family."

The elders mean that if the main branch is unable to shoulder the burden of succession, then it is only reasonable for another branch to take charge.

Chapter 163 Old Dog, Let's Fight to the Death! (1 words!)

Satoru Yagyu paused, then looked up at Masako Yagyu, his gaze softening slightly:

"However, if you can find a suitable son-in-law who is worthy of upholding the Yagyu family's swordsmanship, whether it's your husband, Masako, or Tsurune's fiancé, the elders' council will reconsider its stance. Otherwise..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was obvious.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Yagyu Masataka's lips, but his tone remained respectful:

“The elder is right. We are not being unreasonable, but we just hope that the Yagyu family can continue to thrive. What do you think, patriarch?”

He went on to add more.

"My lineage is thriving. I am a 7th Dan Special Grade Kendo Instructor and am currently aiming for the 8th Dan. There are very few Kendo practitioners in China who can rival me. My son was the champion of the last Jade Dragon Flag Tournament and has a promising future."

"In terms of lineage, I have sons and disciples, ensuring the continuation of the swordsmanship. In terms of business, I own three dojos, each generating substantial profits annually. In terms of connections, I have relationships in both political and business circles. With these conditions, how could the Yagyu family not be able to uphold its prestige?"

He smiled enigmatically: "If the main branch insists on not yielding, that's not impossible. They can find a son-in-law who can keep things in check. However... such a man might not be easy to find."

"Master, please agree. Entrusting the Yagyu family to us is the best choice."

The man sitting by the bar counter looked over. He was Yagyu Masataka's younger brother, Yagyu Yosuke. He wasn't very interested in kendo and mainly focused on having fun. Today, he was just here to encourage Yagyu Masataka.

Masako Yagyu clenched her fists on her lap, her anger flaring even more.

"What if I've already found someone to marry into my family?"

"Really?" Yagyu Masataka was somewhat surprised, but didn't react in any particular way. "Perfect, everyone's here. Let him come over so the elder can take a look."

He's determined to win today.

He has countless ways to get the woman in front of him to give up her place.

Just like the previous head of the Yagyu family, who is also the woman's brother, their deaths were actually closely related to him.

"Patriarch, you should think this through. Because of the Grim Reaper, various forces in Tokyo are stirring up trouble, and the city may be about to be reshuffled. If you really take in an adopted son-in-law, are you sure it won't attract attention?"

This is a blatant threat.

Masako Yagyu's face turned pale instantly.

If that's the case, she doesn't want to involve Han Chuanyou.

Yagyu Satoru looked at Yagyu Masataka, gave him a deep look, and his eyes suddenly sharpened: "Masataka, watch your words."

"Yes." Yagyu Masataka immediately composed himself. "I'm only doing this for the good of the Yagyu family. After all, outsiders are still outsiders."

"Mother."

Just as tensions were rising in the living room, Yagyu Genon and his group arrived.

"Why are you back? Didn't you say...?"

Seeing Risa Kawashima's helpless expression, Masako Yagyu understood, and noticing the person behind her, a look of surprise appeared on her beautiful face.

"Yu-kun, what brings you here too?"

Han Chuanyou said in a relaxed tone with a smile, "It's been a long time since I've visited Aunt Yako. I was just thinking of dropping by, but I didn't expect Aunt Yako to have so many guests today."

Yagyu Masataka glanced at the boy, then turned to Yagyu Masako: "Master, this is the time to discuss serious matters. Shouldn't irrelevant people stay out?"

Han Chuanyou noticed the name of the demonic swordsman above his head and had already sentenced him to death in his heart.

"What kind of tone is that? This is Aunt Masako's house. Even Aunt Masako, as the head of the Yagyu family, hasn't spoken. Do you have the right to say anything? Everyone says that Japanese people have a clear hierarchy. At your age, have you learned all that stuff like dogs?"

"you!"

When had Yagyu Masataka ever been so insulted? This kid was actually calling him a dog.

The guards behind him, who were also from a branch of the clan, immediately understood and stepped forward, ready to teach this arrogant brat a lesson.

At this moment, the guards from the main branch stepped forward, and the two sides confronted each other, creating an atmosphere of extreme tension.

Yagyu Satoru raised his hand to suppress the urge and spoke up to mediate:

“Masako, let’s each take a step back. This young man, the Yagyu family is discussing important matters. Genon, please take him to another place to entertain him.”

Yagyu Genne glanced at Yagyu Masako, and seeing her nod, she grabbed the boy's sleeve, trying to pull him away.

Han Chuan You ignored everything and stepped forward:

“How am I an outsider? Didn’t Aunt Yako tell you that I’m the adopted son-in-law she’s chosen?”

Masako Yagyu's heart tightened.

"Yu-kun, stop arguing. This is a matter between adults."

"This is not me being silly. What kind of skill is it to bully a weak woman?"

Hanchuan You looked at Yagyu Masataka, pointed at him, and said in a contemptuous tone.

"Old dog, bringing a whole bunch of men to try and take advantage of us is hardly gentlemanly behavior. I challenge you to a duel between men, a fight to the death. Do you dare accept?!"

Hanchuan You knew something about samurai families and had heard some rumors from Miss Kujo.

In the old days of the island nation, the samurai class had long adhered to the tradition of self-reliance. In the Edo period, although the shogunate strictly prohibited samurai from fighting privately through the laws governing samurai families, a form of dueling known as "shiga" or "die-to" was preserved.

When internal family conflicts escalate to an irreconcilable point, involving major interests such as succession rights and the struggle for leadership of a sword-fighting school, the two sides will fight with real swords, deciding the outcome with their lives, until one side dies.

This dueling tradition is regarded as the ultimate means of arbitration within samurai families, usually superseding secular law, because it is an internal affair of the samurai family.

Both parties must sign an oath beforehand, indicating that the battle is voluntary, that they will bear the consequences of their own actions, and that no legal action will be taken against them afterward. Family elders and respected clan elders will act as witnesses and supervisors of the duel.

Even after the Meiji Restoration, although modern laws explicitly prohibit private duels, in a swordsmanship family like the Yagyu clan, which has a history of swordsmanship spanning thousands of years, the concept of discussing the way of the sword and determining the master through martial arts is probably still deeply rooted.

This is also why Han Chuan You directly challenged the man in front of him to a life-or-death duel.

"You dare, kid!"

Yagyu Masataka stood up, just thinking about how to teach this kid a lesson, when he unexpectedly found himself delivered to his doorstep.

A glint of bloodlust flashed in his eyes.

“Alright, I accept. With Elder Wu as my witness, I will let you see the strength of a seventh-level swordsman.”

"Yu-kun, no."

Masako Yagyu quickly stood up to stop her.

A seventh-dan master instructor, just one step away from the eighth dan, is one of the strongest swordsmen in the Yagyu family today. Han Chuanyu is just a student. No matter how talented he is, how can he compete with such a master who has been immersed in the way of the sword for decades?

Yagyu Genne's eyes trembled, shocked by Hankawa Yu's fearless behavior.

Anna Yagyu remained silent, tugged at the boy's sleeve, her face full of worry, telling him not to be so impulsive.

"Don't worry, trust in my abilities."

Han Chuanyou used the power of bewitching hearts, spreading his spiritual energy to soothe the hearts of the girls.

Masako Yagyu's shoulders gradually relaxed as she stared at the boy before her: "Are we really worth you going to such lengths for us?"

"There's no question of whether it's worth it or not; I just did it because I wanted to."

The young man looked at the woman in front of him and revealed a bright smile, which instantly struck her heart and made her feel a flutter.

Satoru Yagyu slowly rose to his feet, his eyes filled with scrutiny and admiration:

"Han Chuan You, is it? I am not yet aware of your strength, but I acknowledge your courage. I will make the decision: within three years, will the elders bring up the matter of changing hands again? After three years, if this child can prove himself, the future of the Yagyu family may well be in his hands."

Such a spirited young man is exactly the kind of leader the Yagyu family needs. The fact that Masako has taken a liking to him shows that he has no problem with his talent. The rest depends on whether he really has the ability.

"Elder Wu!"

Yagyu Masataka's eyes instantly became urgent.

It took a long time to persuade Yagyu Satoru, and he was about to achieve his goal, so why did he suddenly change his mind?

Han Chuan You was still not satisfied.

"Three years is too long. This old dog doesn't seem like a good person. Who knows what tricks he might use? He's going to challenge us to a life-or-death duel. Do you dare to accept? Just say the word."

"Of course I'll accept."

Yagyu Masataka saw hope again.

The young upstart was arrogant and ignorant. At this moment, he only wanted to slit the man's throat with a knife and make him understand that the seventh dan of swordsmanship could not be humiliated.

"If I lose, I will commit seppuku on the spot."

Yagyu Satoru gradually withdrew his admiring gaze, his words carrying a deeper meaning: "It's not a good thing for young people to be too impulsive."

"Whether it's impulsive or not, let the men prove it."

Satoru Yagyu looked at Masako Yagyu and asked for her opinion.

Masako Yagyu met the boy's confident gaze.

For some reason, he makes people want to trust him, as if he really can create miracles.

She hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.

Although there was worry in the eyes of Yagyu Genne and Yagyu Anna standing to the side, the boy in front of them instinctively made them want to trust him.

"very good."

Yagyu Masataka was overjoyed, and Yagyu Yosuke stepped forward, showing great confidence in his older brother.

"Brother, take it easy later."

"No problem, I just happened to get a new knife. Kid, I'll use you to consecrate it!"

Soon, the waiver was drafted. Han Chuanyou looked at the contents and, without the slightest hesitation, signed his name and pressed his fingerprint.

Yagyu Masataka snorted coldly, signed his name, and gave Hankawa Yu a sinister look.

"Young man, have you written your will?"

Han Chuanyou ignored him and turned to walk into the inner room to change.

The ceremony begins.

According to the Yagyu family's rules, before a life-or-death duel, both sides must wear traditional kendo attire, bow before the shrine, wash their hands, and rinse their mouths to show reverence for their ancestors and the way of the sword.

Hanchuan You took off his school uniform and put on black kendo hakama.

He fastened his belt, straightened his cuffs, and walked out of the dressing room. Masako Yagyu was waiting for him at the end of the corridor.

She held a samurai sword in her hands. The scabbard was black with elegant silver patterns, exuding a sharp edge amidst its antiquity.

[The aura of a treasure has been detected; you have discovered a high-grade Xuan-level magic artifact—Xuan Ye.]

Han Chuanyou's heart stirred slightly; he hadn't expected such an unexpected gain.

"Yu-kun, here's the sword. It belongs to Tsurune and the others' father. Be careful later. If you can't win, just back out. I'll have someone rescue you. Anyway, you're not from a samurai family yet, so they can't do anything to you."

However, if it ends like this, then Yuu Hanchuan will have absolutely no chance of marrying into the Yagyu family.

She couldn't help but sigh.

But as long as his life can be saved, that's all that matters.

Han Chuan You took the sword; it was slightly cool to the touch, and he could sense the spiritual energy contained within it.

"Aunt Masako, have some faith in me. I told you, I will prove myself to you."

The young man before me possesses a unique charm at this moment.

Then I heard his "confession"-like words again.

This... for me, he would go to such lengths, even at the cost of his life.