That was why he had offered the advice.
"What about swordsmanship?"
"Swordsmanship?" Shirakumo Hayama was slightly stunned. "Swordsmanship can certainly be used for self-defense."
"But the Gentle Fist is something you've been exposed to since childhood. Even if you're lacking for now, more practice will always lead to improvement."
"But if you switch to swordsmanship, it's like starting over in an unfamiliar field; it might be more trouble than it's worth."
"Sohma-sama, actually, I've learned a bit of swordsmanship on my own. Could I ask for your guidance?" A strong Battle Intent flared in Aokawa's eyes.
"Oh?" At the mention of swordsmanship, Shirakumo Hayama immediately became interested.
He took out a captured Ninja Blade and tossed it to Aokawa. "No need for reservations; give it your all."
Aokawa reached out and caught the tossed Ninja Blade. His wrist dipped slightly as he reflexively flourished the blade.
Feeling the weight of the sword, he stood with the blade in hand. His entire aura suddenly became calm and steady, his sharp gaze locking onto Shirakumo Hayama.
"Please guide me, Sohma-sama."
Before his voice had even faded, Aokawa shifted his footing and lunged forward like an arrow from a bow, his Ninja Blade tracing a simple, sharp line as he thrust directly at Shirakumo Hayama.
A flicker of surprise crossed Shirakumo Hayama's eyes. He had originally thought Aokawa's "bit of learning" would likely be some flashy but hollow Moves, but he hadn't expected the opening strike to be such a solid and steady thrust.
He didn't draw his own sword; he simply moved his feet slightly, turning his body to evade the swift thrust, while simultaneously using his right hand like a blade to precisely strike at Aokawa's sword-wielding wrist.
Aokawa seemed to have anticipated this. The blade that had missed its mark pressed downward, changing the thrust into a flick, his wrist turning to parry the other's hand-sword.
At the same time, his other hand shot out like a venomous snake, aiming straight for Shirakumo Hayama's ribs.
The transition between sword technique and Taijutsu was smooth and natural, without the slightest hesitation.
"Oh?" Shirakumo Hayama let out a soft sound of surprise, stepping back another half-pace to avoid the continuous assault.
Aokawa pressed his advantage, closing in.
He executed the most basic Moves of Basic Swordsmanship to their absolute limit.
Under this dense offensive, Shirakumo Hayama was forced to draw his own Ninja Blade.
Clang!
The sound of clashing metal echoed continuously through the forest.
Shirakumo Hayama's internal surprise continued to grow.
"His foundation is incredibly solid, his footwork is steady, and his power delivery is precise... This doesn't look like someone who just 'learned a bit' at all."
With every clash, he felt the other's foundation was shockingly firm, as if he had put in immense effort into his swordsmanship.
After over a dozen exchanges, the two figures separated and came to a stop in silent agreement.
Shirakumo Hayama looked at the slightly panting Aokawa and praised sincerely, "Remarkable! Aokawa, the solidity of your swordsmanship foundation is truly rare among the younger generation I've seen."
"However..." he changed the subject, continuing, "it's precisely because it's too standard that it feels a bit mechanical. Your sword lacks its own variation and killing intent; that will be your Bottleneck."
Aokawa sheathed his sword and stood, listening intently.
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