Chapter 708: A Figure Speeding Towards Kyoto
Hello Kazumi, I’ve arrived! Reporting in to let you know I’m safe!
On the phone screen, Satou Shinichi’s hand fiddled with his peaceful and relaxed face.
“Don’t worry; these are the ancient streets unique to Nara City. You can see the iconic deer antler sculptures in the distance.” He seemed to have just gotten off the bus and was standing before a grand, imposing traditional Japanese mansion.
“Hello, Uncle Matsuda. I am Satou Shinichi, and I’ve come to see Master Matsuda.” While speaking to Kazumi on the screen, he surprisingly pulled out a formal-looking white paper from his chest and handed it to the guard standing at the mansion’s entrance, dressed in traditional clothing with a flushed face.
Satou Shinichi wore a slightly embarrassed smile.
Inside the mansion, Kazumi was curled up on the sofa, eating. Seeing her boyfriend’s hasty actions on the screen, the corners of her lips couldn’t help but curl into a smile. Her tone carried a hint of disappointment, “You…
“When you have a formal visit, don’t just make video calls! It’s very disrespectful!”
“Hey, it’s because I need to report to you in real-time, so I don’t neglect even the most basic etiquette!”
“Moreover, this is a senior and close friend of Grandpa Satou and Dad’s, so I should show the utmost respect.”
“Okay, okay, I know, I know! Yes!” Satou Shinichi nodded repeatedly at the screen, like a student admitting his mistake. However, his gaze couldn’t help but curiously glance at the magnificent mansion gate before him. “Kazumi, I’ll go in to see Uncle Matsuda now. It would be too impolite to keep the video call going. I’ll contact you later!”
He seemed to realize that conversing like this at someone else’s doorstep was inappropriate. With a displeased expression, he proactively ended the video call.
“Okay, go ahead. Remember to be polite,” Kazumi reminded him again with a helpless sigh before hanging up.
The screen went dark, reflecting Kazumi’s face, a mix of helplessness and amusement. Soon, that hint of a smile gradually faded, her eyes becoming complex. The doubt that had been suppressed earlier quietly resurfaced.
Could I be overthinking things…?
As she leaned back against the sofa, she unconsciously tapped her phone.
[Or rather, is Satou simply being cautious? With the great war approaching, Grandpa Satou is trying to send his family to an even safer place. Plus, there’s a retired hero friend to look after him?]
[This speculation seems reasonable. Evacuating the most important successors to a safe area early is a perfectly normal operation.]
[But…]
[If Satou is simply evacuating, given his impression of me and his relationship with me, would he only send me away, leaving me in a folk city like this, not too far from Kyoto?]
[This doesn’t make sense to Kazumi.]
[Logically, if they were to evacuate, they should be sent away together.]
[By then, the energy Grandpa Satou provides to Shinichi will likely only be enough for one person.]
[So…]
[Is it really just a coincidence?]
[Is it really just that senior Mr. Matsuda happened to be free and offered a rare special training opportunity?]
Kazumi frowned slightly as she looked at the screen, her mind racing with various thoughts, trying to find any inconsistencies. But the facts were right before her, forcing her to believe. Satou Shinichi had been busy following her around since he set off early that morning, riding horses through the secluded alleys of Nara City, experiencing the pure, simple Japanese folk customs along the way. Satou Shinichi had even been enduring the strange atmosphere where ancient and modern intertwined in recent days. As for her, Kazumi, because of this trip, she had to temporarily put aside her work and rush to this seemingly peaceful and somewhat “inactive” ancient city.
So…
[Is this really just a business trip for me?]
[Or is it a cover for Satou Shinichi to evacuate?]
[So…]
[Is this what Satou Shinichi called a “business trip”?]
[Or perhaps…]
[Could any changes in Nara City affect Satou Shinichi in some way?]
[And these changes…]
[What exactly is he hiding from Kazumi?]
She let out a soft sigh, like a detective fumbling in the dark, trying to clear the fog from the bits of clues. Kazumi suddenly had a strong premonition. She suddenly felt as if she had been drawn into some unknown, perhaps even irreversible, event.
Kazumi took another breath and let it out. She raised her hand and rubbed her temples, her gaze becoming more determined. Satou Shinichi had already begun his life in Nara City. And she, Kazumi, also had to start her new life in this place. She now realized—she couldn’t just be on a “business trip.” She was here to help Satou Shinichi.
[She is here to help the man she deeply loves, who is doing “unknown” things in Nara City.]
[She needs to go there to help him find what he wants.]
[Even if that place is a “war,” she will follow him without hesitation.]
Kazumi stood up and looked out the window. Outside, Nara City was enveloped in peace and tranquility, as if nothing had happened. But she knew that beneath the calm surface, a power was gathering, about to erupt. She clenched her fist, and the doubts and unease in her heart transformed into determination in that moment. She knew she was already caught in a “gamble.” The man she loved was taking a risk with no turning back. And she could only accompany him, going forward together. Kazumi took a deep breath, then turned and walked towards the desk in the inner part of the room. On the desk lay a thick travel guide, which she had specifically prepared for this “business trip.” Also on the desk were the “mission” checklist left by Uncle Matsuda for Satou Shinichi. She opened the travel guide and took out a map. She pointed to a place on the map, a “destination” she had “deduced” from Mr. Matsuda’s mission checklist. Her gaze moved across the map, drawing a winding route between each “objective.” The route finally stopped at a place circled in red.
[That place is where Satou Shinichi is “hiding.”]
[It is also where he will do what he “wants to do” in this city, and where he is “waiting” for me, Kazumi, to arrive.]
A smile appeared on Kazumi’s face. Her eyes were filled with love. She knew that from the moment she decided to come here, her fate and Satou Shinichi’s had been tightly intertwined. That feeling made her heart race and her blood boil. She was an “outsider.” But she would never be a “bystander.” Her story with Satou Shinichi was slowly unfolding in this ancient city. Her future with him would also begin a new chapter here.
The Matsuda mansion was a vast and grand complex of traditional Japanese buildings. It was located on an ordinary street in Nara City, but its strong ancient aura made it stand out among the surrounding buildings. Satou Shinichi had come here to find an old man named “Matsuda Kenjirō.” This old man was a friend and his “senior” from Satou Shinichi’s grandfather. Matsuda Kenjirō was a hero who had achieved great merit in the war. After retiring, he came to this remote ancient city and lived in seclusion. His mansion was one of the most legendary places in the city. The mansion’s gate was a heavy black wooden door, inlaid with two golden lion-head door knockers. Two guards dressed in traditional Japanese attire stood before the gate, their posture upright and their faces stern, making it difficult for anyone to approach easily. Satou Shinichi walked to the gate, took a deep breath, and then adjusted his clothes. He took out the letter of introduction personally written by his grandfather and handed it to one of the guards. The guard took the letter, examined it carefully, and then nodded at Satou Shinichi. “Please wait,” the guard said, then turned and walked into the mansion. Satou Shinichi stood quietly outside the gate, his heart filled with anticipation and nervousness. He knew that coming to Nara City this time was not just for refuge, but also to complete an important mission entrusted to him by his grandfather. This mission was to learn an ancient swordsmanship under the guidance of Uncle Matsuda. This swordsmanship was called “Musōken,” the hereditary secret art of the Matsuda family. Its power was immense, and upon mastering it, one could reach the realm of “man and sword as one.” Satou Shinichi’s goal was to master this swordsmanship to the utmost within a short period. Only then could he protect himself and those he loved in the upcoming “war.” This was his mission, and his responsibility. The eyes of his eyes flickered with firm light, and his heart was filled with fighting spirit. He knew he had no more turning back. “Mr. Satou, Master Matsuda asks you to come in,” the guard returned and said respectfully to Satou Shinichi. Satou Shinichi nodded, took a deep breath, and then stepped through the mansion gate. The scenery inside the mansion awed him. It was a spacious courtyard filled with various precious plants. A clear stream flowed through the courtyard, its water clear to the bottom, with a pleasant sound. In the center of the courtyard was a traditional Japanese building, ancient and elegant. Surrounding the building was a covered walkway connecting the various rooms. Satou Shinichi, followed by the guard, walked through the courtyard to the entrance of the traditional building. The guard stopped and pointed to a wooden door before him, saying to Satou Shinichi, “Master Matsuda is waiting for you inside.” Satou Shinichi bowed to the guard, then pushed open the wooden door and entered the room. The room was dimly lit, filled with a faint scent of tea. An elderly man, about seventy years old, dressed in a traditional kimono, was kneeling on the floor, looking at him with a smile. The old man’s hair was white, but he was energetic and his eyes were sharp. He exuded a calm and introverted aura that made Satou Shinichi feel an inexplicable sense of awe. “You are Shin’ichi, aren’t you? Please sit down,” the old man said with a warm and kind smile. Satou Shinichi bowed respectfully and knelt before the old man. “Uncle Matsuda, I am Satou Shinichi. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said. The old man smiled and nodded, then picked up a teacup from the table and handed it to Satou Shinichi. “Have some tea; this is Gyokuro tea I brewed myself,” he said. Satou Shinichi took the teacup and carefully took a sip, then exclaimed, “The tea is fragrant, fresh, and sweet. It’s truly good tea.” The old man’s face revealed a proud smile. “You speak more nicely than your grandfather. He knows nothing about tea,” he said jokingly. Satou Shinichi also chuckled, and the atmosphere in the room became much more relaxed. Afterwards, the old man and Satou Shinichi talked about many things, from his grandfather’s recent situation to Satou Shinichi’s life in Tokyo. The old man’s words were filled with nostalgia for the past, making Satou Shinichi feel the deep friendship between him and his grandfather. He also learned that Matsuda Kenjirō was not an ordinary retired soldier. After retiring, he had been doing some unknown things for the Satou family. And Satou Shinichi’s arrival in Nara City was also one of his “missions.” “Shin’ichi, do you know why you are here?” the old man suddenly asked. Satou Shinichi nodded and said, “I know. Grandpa said I was to come here to learn ‘Musōken’ from you.” Upon hearing this, the old man’s face revealed a relieved smile. “That’s right. This is the best arrangement your grandfather made for you. From today on, you are my disciple.” Satou Shinichi felt a surge of excitement and immediately knelt down, performing a deep bow to the old man. “Master, please accept your disciple’s bow,” he said respectfully. The old man smiled and helped him up, saying, “Alright, get up.” Afterward, the old man began to explain the basic theory and practice methods of “Musōken” to Satou Shinichi. Satou Shinichi listened very attentively, not daring to miss any details. His heart was filled with yearning for this mysterious swordsmanship, and he was also filled with anticipation for his future. Time passed quickly, and it was already noon without them realizing it. Matsuda Kenjirō looked at the time and said to Satou Shinichi, “Alright, that’s all for today. Let’s have lunch first.” Satou Shinichi nodded and followed the old man to a spacious dining room. The dining table was already laden with various exquisite Japanese dishes, exuding a rich aroma. Satou Shinichi couldn’t help but swallow as he looked at them. Matsuda Kenjirō saw his reaction and said with a smile, “How is it? Looks good, doesn’t it? I cooked it myself.” Satou Shinichi was surprised. “Uncle Matsuda, you can cook too?” he asked. Matsuda Kenjirō smiled and said, “What’s so strange about that? I’m free here, so naturally, I have to learn some new skills.” He beckoned to Satou Shinichi and said, “Come and taste my cooking.” Satou Shinichi walked to the dining table, sat down, and picked up his chopsticks. He tasted the sashimi before him and immediately felt a fresh texture. “It’s delicious!” he exclaimed. Matsuda Kenjirō watched him with a smile, full of affection for the young man. He knew that Satou Shinichi was a young man with potential, and with cultivation, he would achieve great things in the future. He had also promised his old friend to pass on all his lifetime’s learning to Satou Shinichi. This was his responsibility, and his honor. He looked at the young man before him, his eyes full of expectation. He had already made plans for Satou Shinichi’s future. He knew that a great war was imminent, and Satou Shinichi was one of the key figures in this war. Only by letting him grow could the Satou family remain invincible in the war. And he would become Satou Shinichi’s strong support. After lunch, Satou Shinichi followed Matsuda Kenjirō to the backyard of the mansion. In a corner of the backyard was a spacious training ground. The training ground was surrounded by bamboo, and a faint fragrance wafted from the bamboo grove. Matsuda Kenjirō took out two wooden swords and handed one to Satou Shinichi. “Alright, Shin’ichi, our first lesson begins now,” he said. “Let me see your basic skills.” Satou Shinichi took the wooden sword and felt its weight. He took a deep breath and then assumed a standard fencing stance. He knew that from this moment on, his destiny had been changed. He would begin his new life in this ancient city. He would become a true warrior here. He and his girlfriend, Kazumi, would also write a new chapter of their story here. His eyes flickered with firm light, and his heart was filled with anticipation for the future. He took a deep breath and then swung the wooden sword in his hand. A crisp sword cry rang out, echoing through the bamboo grove. Satou Shinichi knew that his adventure had officially begun.
She turned and quickly walked out of the tea room, leaving the Matsuda mansion. Walking on the streets of Nara City, Satou Shinichi took a deep breath of the air, different from Kyoto’s. He took out his phone from his pocket, his fingertips swiped across the screen, and the wallpaper lit up—it was a photo he had secretly taken earlier: a short-haired girl lying quietly on the balcony, sunlight falling on her profile, her hand resting on her cheek, her eyes holding something he didn’t know, but the scene felt calm and beautiful. Looking at the girl on the screen, warmth and affection involuntarily welled up in her sapphire eyes, but this softness existed for only a very brief moment, immediately replaced by a determination sharper than a sword. He put the phone back into his pocket, as if to hide even the last trace of tenderness. The next moment, the vital energy around him began to surge, and his muscles made faint explosive sounds. His entire body expanded by a visible amount! He looked as if he was wearing a suit of special material, his chest expanding from the inside out, his skin stretched taut, and his height also increased to a terrifying nearly two and a half meters, like a small giant. He slightly bent his legs, and the hard stone slab beneath his feet made faint cracking sounds, as if unable to bear the weight. “Boom!” A low explosive sound of air burst out! All that remained of his original position was a faint afterimage and a spreading wave of air! The golden figure had already transformed into a lightning bolt that tore through the sky, moving at a speed exceeding the limits of human vision, towards the direction of the distant Nara city center, speeding away! And the ultimate destination of this violent lightning bolt was none other than Kyoto, miles away from the mansion, where a storm was about to descend!
