My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 446: Chapter 160: Aoto vs. Chiba Eijiro, Confronting "Edo’s Strongest"! [5100]_2

Once your skill is honed to a certain level, you’ll suddenly grasp how to freely control "momentum," just like how you naturally learn to open and close your eyes even without being taught.

Aoto feels he is currently stuck between the first and second stage, showing no signs of reaching the realm of Zhouzhu and the others.

Chiba Eijiro seemed unsurprised by Aoto’s response.

After quietly saying "Is that so," he lifted his hand to gently pinch his own chin, appearing to be in thought: "... Mr. Tachibana, do you have any free time now?"

"Hmm?" Though puzzled by Chiba Eijiro’s sudden question, Aoto honestly nodded; as he was on vacation today, he had plenty of time.

Seeing Aoto nod, Chiba Eijiro’s mouth slightly curved into a meaningful smile: "Since you have some free time now... could you have a match with me?"

As soon as Chiba Eijiro spoke, the room was enveloped in a silence so profound that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.

Zhouzhu, Kondo, Chokata... everyone, especially Aoto, exhibited expressions of utter shock.

Everyone stared in astonishment at Chiba Eijiro, who had suddenly extended an invitation to Aoto for a duel.

Once again, the astounded gazes focused on Chiba Eijiro, who remained composed as always.

He leisurely said:

"It’s rare for me to visit Shiwei Hall, and I want to avoid regrets."

"I don’t have much time left in Edo."

"Having already joined the Mito Domain, I took a long leave under the guise of ’visiting relatives’ to return to Edo."

"At the latest, by mid-month, I must return to the Mito Domain."

"Therefore, I truly wish to understand today the unique aspects of your ’momentum.’"

"Since the ’momentum’ you unleashed during the previous swordsmanship competition was released unconsciously during intense fighting with others... perhaps another fierce, or even fiercer, match might cause you to subconsciously release your ’momentum’ again."

"One reason I couldn’t discern your ’momentum’ at the earlier competition was that I was seated far away in the spectators’ seats, not standing right in front of you."

"This time, I’ll stand directly before you, to directly experience your ’momentum.’ Then, I should be able to understand what makes your ’momentum’ so unique."

"So, Mr. Tachibana... what do you think?"

The same situation as before repeated itself—after speaking, Chiba Eijiro fell silent again, locking eyes with Aoto, quietly awaiting his response.

Aoto’s gaze flickered slightly.

Despite the fact that the man before him was a renowned Great Sword Hero, whose status and fame could not be compared to Aoto, who was only somewhat known in one corner of Edo, Aoto felt neither intimidated nor humble when conversing or meeting the man’s gaze.

Mixed emotions surged along with Aoto’s flickering gaze across his cheeks. After a brief moment, Aoto half-closed his eyes and let out a long breath, then bowed politely to Chiba Eijiro:

"Then... please enlighten me!"

Aoto spoke each word distinctly and powerfully.

Chiba Eijiro responded with a gentle smile.

...

...

Shiwei Hall, Dojo—

Accepting Chiba Eijiro’s challenge, Aoto, along with everyone, moved from the room to the dojo of Shiwei Hall.

Watching the match between "Edo’s Strongest Swordsman" Chiba Eijiro and another person... it’s something you rarely encounter!

Faced with such a rare duel, Nagakura and everyone eagerly stood at the edge of the dojo, excitedly and anxiously waiting for the match to begin. Even Saito, usually expressionless, was showing a rare serious look.

Aoto and Chiba Eijiro now stood together at the corner of the dojo.

"Mr. Chokata, can you help me keep my sword?" Chiba Eijiro removed the two swords, one long and one short, hanging from his left waist, and handed them to Chokata, who was standing beside him.

Chokata nodded slightly and respectfully took the swords from Chiba Eijiro with both hands.

Chiba Eijiro’s two swords, the Wakizashi were ordinary, but his Tachi was quite extraordinary.

The handle, blade guard, and sheath were all blue and white, adorned with exquisite and intricate carvings... just from the extremely luxurious sword design, one could sense that this Tachi was exceptional.

At that moment, Aoto, standing not far away, found his gaze involuntarily drawn to Chiba Eijiro’s Tachi, and he couldn’t help but ask, "It’s a beautiful sword... does it have a name?"

Chiba Eijiro smiled calmly: "Of course. The sword’s name is Moon-Swaying Nagamitsu. I went through great effort, involved many people, and spent a lot of money to acquire this Treasure Sword. Would you like to see it unsheathed?"

Chiba Eijiro unexpectedly suggested showing him the sword... After pondering for a moment, Aoto solemnly nodded:

Politely saying "Please excuse me for viewing it overly familiarly," Aoto accepted Moon-Swaying Nagamitsu from Chokata, grasping the sheath with his left hand and the handle with his right. With a "clack," Aoto slowly drew Moon-Swaying Nagamitsu from its sheath.

Clang—!

The high-pitched blade hum resembled the prolonged, clear song of a skylark, echoing in the air of the dojo and lingering for a long time.