The battle between Zhou Ming and Hirakawa Masamasa quickly spread among the upper echelons of Kyoto, fueled by those with ulterior motives.
Hirakawa Masamasa's name was not known to the common people of Kyoto, but among the upper-class nobility, no one dared to ignore him.
Nohara Momonosuke's personal guard had always enjoyed Nohara Momonosuke's trust; although his official position was not high, his influence was paramount.
Countless high-ranking officials and nobles wanted to find an opportunity to establish a connection with him, but they couldn't even find an avenue.
As the personal protector of Nohara Momonosuke, Hirakawa Masamasa's martial prowess was also beyond doubt; no matter what assassins appeared before him, none could leave the palace alive.
Although there was no title like "The Imperial Palace's Greatest Master" in this world, everyone undoubtedly believed that Hirakawa Masamasa was that person.
And now, when a person who defeated Hirakawa Masamasa appeared, that person instantly became a hot topic among the upper class.
Especially with The World's Greatest Warrior Tournament approaching, and news constantly emerging from the palace that the Lord's health was deteriorating, various Daimyos arrived in Kyoto one after another.
The feeling of "a storm is brewing" filled the hearts of every upper-class person in Kyoto.
A powerful warrior, and the Daimyo he represented, could very well be the successor to the throne!
Once the succession to the throne was complete, the fate of these "old retainers" would depend on their performance.
For example, now or even earlier, they had to "place their bets"! Supporting a Daimyo whom they believed was most likely to become the Lord.
If they won the gamble, it would be the merit of following the Dragon, and their status would naturally rise a step further.
Lose the gamble? Gamblers never consider the word 'lose'.
Tokugawa Dojo.
Tokugawa Saron knelt on the tatami mat; opposite him, a middle-aged man who looked about his age was brewing tea.
Scalding hot water was poured into the cup, and the aroma of tea filled the air; the middle-aged man pushed a Emerald Green bamboo cup towards Tokugawa Saron.
"Please, have some. My place is not like your mansion; I don't have any good tea," the middle-aged man said indifferently.
"Teacher, please don't tease me."
Tokugawa Saron gave a bitter smile, picked up the teacup, took a light sip, savored it carefully, and felt the lingering sweetness between his lips and teeth after the bitterness.
"How is Oishi Takashi?" Tokugawa Saron asked softly after putting down the teacup.
"He is progressing very quickly, faster than at any time he was with me before."
The middle-aged man held the teacup, his gaze distant as he looked out the window: "Hatred, although it is the best fuel for progress, it can also easily lead to self-immolation, burning oneself out!"
Tokugawa Saron fell silent, lowered his head, and said, "I apologize, Teacher!"
"You shouldn't apologize to me," the middle-aged man looked at Tokugawa Saron, his expression solemn.
"You are moving towards success. Only in failure should you apologize."
"Yes, sir!" Tokugawa Saron shouted.
"Drink your tea," the middle-aged man said.
Tokugawa Saron picked up the teacup again, and the two drank their tea in silence.
After a while, the middle-aged man spoke again: "What do you think of that warrior named Zhou Ming, who defeated Hirakawa Masamasa?"
A glint flashed in Tokugawa Saron's lowered eyelids, and he looked up.
"He is very strong."
"How strong?"
"Very strong."
"Hmm." The middle-aged man nodded, understanding.
"I heard that these past few days, people have been constantly challenging him—assassins, suicide squads, wandering warriors, and even famous masters."
"That's right, and... everyone who challenged him died. Basically, no one could last more than ten moves against him before being cut down. After killing for these past few days, very few people still dare to challenge him at his door."
"Very decisive," the middle-aged man nodded approvingly, "Stealth, assassination, poisoning, ambush—what he has to face is far more than just open challenges. To reduce the fighting, he must try even harder to kill."
"Teacher is right."
"So, among those people, were there any sent by you?"
The middle-aged man's sudden question made Tokugawa Saron's breathing hitch.
"Teacher, I..." Tokugawa Saron paused, then calmly said, "Yes, and many."
"Good." The middle-aged man nodded, equally calm.
"It seems he is indeed a very powerful opponent," the middle-aged man poured another cup of tea for Tokugawa Saron.
"It's also time for this old bone of mine to burn out its last bit of glory."
"Teacher, you..." Tokugawa Saron's eyes widened.
"Why are you so surprised?" the middle-aged man looked at him coldly, "Are you going to say that you came here just to drink tea?"
Tokugawa Saron lowered his head again and picked up the teacup.
"Then, everything shall be as Teacher says."
The middle-aged man smiled, his smile somewhat complex, and somewhat relieved. He asked, "When?"
"The day after tomorrow, I suppose. He has already issued an edict that a banquet will be held in the palace the day after tomorrow, and all Daimyos must attend. After that, The World's Greatest Warrior Tournament will begin."
"Good."
The middle-aged man nodded.
"Teacher, I will fully cooperate with you then," Tokugawa Saron added.
"Hmm." The middle-aged man nodded again, his words suddenly becoming incredibly concise.
"I'm going to see Oishi Takashi. You may do as you please."
With that, the middle-aged man stood up and walked out on his own.
"Teacher..." Tokugawa Saron watched his back, calling out with a somewhat bitter tone.
The middle-aged man's body paused slightly, then he continued walking out without any further hesitation.
Tokugawa Saron watched the middle-aged man walk out, turn a corner, and disappear from his sight, his footsteps gradually fading away.
He put down the teacup in his hand, looked at the still-rising mist within, and let out a long sigh.
His teacher, Tokugawa Yamato, who was also his uncle, looked like a middle-aged man but was actually over sixty years old.
Because he had practiced martial arts for many years and was skilled in secret health-preserving techniques, he still maintained considerable physical strength even at an age when commoners would have already died of old age.
Oishi Takashi was a wandering warrior whom Tokugawa Saron had encountered by chance a year ago. Seeing his extraordinary talent, he brought him to Tokugawa Dojo and introduced him to Tokugawa Yamato, who took him as a Disciple.
Oishi Takashi indeed displayed extraordinary talent not long after, and his progress in the martial Dao was something even Tokugawa Yamato praised.
Tokugawa Saron himself had also become a Disciple of Tokugawa Yamato, his uncle, when he was young.
At that time, Tokugawa Yamato was like Oishi Takashi is now—amazingly talented, with superb swordsmanship. He made a name for himself in Kyoto, then quickly rose, challenging various Dojos without a single defeat, unstoppable.
By the time he was thirty, Tokugawa Yamato's name was known throughout the land, his position secure. No one dared to challenge him, and he became a living legend.
At that time, Tokugawa Yamato was invincible!