Chapter 78: Ginger is Still Spicier When Old

"Senior, your sword is broken. Although a broken sword can still fight, if I hit the broken stub one more time, I can shatter this sword completely!"

Miss Luo Quan felt the situation was looking great, and her tone became much more relaxed.

Yagyu Enzai smiled with approval: "The North Star One-Sword Style is indeed worthy of being called an art of kendo. Every move is as precise as surgery, and it also possesses a unique beauty."

Suddenly, his expression turned stern: "However, don't underestimate the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu! Who says one cannot fight without a sword?"

Saying this, Yagyu Enzai threw away the broken sword in his hand and spread his hands flat.

"In that case, excuse me!" Miss Luo Quan only thought Yagyu Enzai was making a final struggle, so without thinking much, she raised her sword and thrust forward.

If she had even a little knowledge of the Yagyu New Shadow Style, she wouldn't have dared to rush in so recklessly when Yagyu Enzai had no sword in his hand.

The Yagyu Shinkage-ryu was derived from the Kage-ryu swordsmanship, founded by Kamiizumi Nobutsuna and popularized by Yagyu Munetoshi.

In Japan, swordsmanship is also called the art of killing; the ultimate purpose of every swordsmanship born is actually to kill the opponent.

But the philosophy of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu kendo goes against this, advocating winning without killing—the "Life-Giving Sword." Therefore, the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu has almost no moves with great lethality. Relatively speaking, they prefer to subdue opponents without injury, and "No-Sword Taking" is the ultimate technique that embodies this kendo philosophy!

The so-called "No-Sword Taking" is actually disarming an opponent with bare hands. It sounds ordinary, but it is a unique skill that only masters of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu can master.

Not everyone can remain calm when facing a sword slashing toward them and take it from the enemy's hand. In the moment of life and death, only a true master can keep their heart as still as water!

And Miss Luo Quan was only holding a bamboo sword, so it was hardly a matter of life and death—one had to know that Yagyu Enzai had disarmed many people holding precious swords that could cut hair; would a bamboo sword with no lethality cause him any trouble?

Although Junko had already anxiously warned Miss Luo Quan to be careful, it seemed a bit too late, because Yagyu Enzai also rushed toward Miss Luo Quan.

Just as Miss Luo Quan's bamboo sword was about to pierce Yagyu Enzai's chest, he gently twisted his body, and the bamboo sword passed under his armpit, lifting his loose kimono high.

If following the complete process of "No-Sword Taking," he only needed to rush into Miss Luo Quan's embrace and use his shoulder to push forward, and he could have knocked Miss Luo Quan, who had exhausted her old strength and hadn't yet generated new strength, head over heels.

However, considering she was a girl, Yagyu Enzai didn't have the heart to be ruthless. He just steadied his forward-rushing body, raised his arm, and took the bamboo sword clamped under his armpit.

Yagyu Enzai, having disarmed Miss Luo Quan, used his right hand as a palm blade to strike toward Miss Luo Quan, wanting to force her back. Who knew that Miss Luo Quan, having lost her weapon, didn't panic at all, but instead began to trade punches and kicks with Yagyu Enzai.

Shotokan karate has always been known for its rigidity and strength. Even Yagyu Enzai was caught off guard by Miss Luo Quan's sudden attack.

Mainly, he didn't expect that besides swordsmanship, Miss Luo Quan also knew karate, and her rank was quite high!

However, Miss Luo Quan's rank was limited, and her strength was truly insufficient. It might be enough to deal with ordinary people, but wanting to defeat a Sword Saint like Yagyu Enzai was a bit too whimsical.

If Yagyu Enzai were facing a master-level expert of Shotokan karate, he would definitely be defeated miserably without a weapon. Unfortunately, Miss Luo Quan was only a black belt third dan.

Therefore, after experiencing the initial flurry, Yagyu Enzai quickly steadied his stance and forced Miss Luo Quan back in a few moves.

Picking up the sword that had fallen to the ground and holding it in his hand again, Yagyu Enzai smiled and said: "Now, the sword is in my hand."

Miss Luo Quan sighed softly: "Sure enough, ginger is still spicier when old... I admit defeat."

"Being able to hold out against me for so long, you are already among the best among young Japanese swordsmen. If you are willing to become a disciple..." Yagyu Enzai patted his head halfway through, shook his head, and laughed: "Sorry, I'm used to it. Whenever I see a talented young person, I want to take them as a disciple, forgetting that you are a popular singer."

Miss Luo Quan quickly climbed up the pole: "But I can pass on the swordsmanship to Junko, the Beichen Itto-ryu that I used!"

Yagyu Enzai glanced at Junko beside him and sneered: "She doesn't even want to learn her own family's swordsmanship seriously; will she learn the North Star One-Sword Style from you?"

"I will be serious!" Junko jumped out at this moment, "I will definitely find time to learn this swordsmanship in the future!"

Yagyu Enzai's expression was unhappy: "Hmph! Usually, when I ask you to practice swords, it's so difficult, but now you agree so readily! Forget it, you're grown up now. Since you have your own direction in life, don't be as muddled as before. No matter what, you must make a name for yourself!"

"A long time ago, my dream was to be an idol, but I just didn't dare to tell you."

Yagyu Enzai's eyes widened: "Then that's my fault!"

"No! No!" Junko waved her hands to deny it, fearing her grandfather would take back his words.

"It's just past lunch, and it's a bit early for dinner, so I won't keep you. Take the bus on the street to the nearby subway station. Don't be like Junko, taking taxis everywhere. Money shouldn't be wasted like that!" Yagyu Enzai put his hands behind his back, stiffened his face, and directly issued an order to leave.

"Then we will take our leave." Miss Luo Quan and Seeing Wen Xia nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait a moment!"

"Is there anything else?" Miss Luo Quan asked with a puzzled face.

"Who is the person who taught you the Beichen Itto-ryu?"

"My master's name is Chiba Shusaku." Miss Luo Quan said without hesitation, stating the name of the kendo master who founded the Beichen Itto-ryu in her previous life.

Yagyu Enzai fell into thought: "Chiba Shusaku... I have never heard this name before. Where is he now?"

"My master doesn't have a fixed residence; he lives wherever he goes. And he didn't leave me any contact information. If he doesn't want to appear, I'm afraid no one can find him."

"This is indeed the style of a reclusive expert. If only I could meet him and have a real spar!" Yagyu Enzai's eyes revealed a look of longing.

"What a pity... what a pity..." Yagyu Enzai walked toward the inner room with his hands behind his back, shaking his head sadly, clearly immersed in his own sorrowful emotions.

The three girls, who had been ignored, saw that there was no one around and quickly left the Yagyu Kendo Hall.

This time, Junko listened to her grandfather and chose to take the train home.

In the carriage on the way back, the three girls sat side by side. Miss Luo Quan, exhausted in body and mind, leaned against Seeing Wen Xia's shoulder and fell into a deep sleep.

Junko looked at Miss Luo Quan's peaceful profile and revealed a moved and joyful smile.

"Having a friend like Quan-chan is really great!" ===== CHAPTER 79 =====

"Having a friend like Quan-chan is truly wonderful!"