Laid-Back Life in Tokyo: I Really Didn't Want to Work Hard
Chapter 53 Sword Dao Sparring

Chapter 53: Chapter 53 Sword Dao Sparring

[Accuracy Lv5]

Description: Enables self-correction of movements when executing an understood goal, with a corresponding probability of achieving perfect precision.

Current probability: 50%

[Sword Dao Lv5]

Description: Bestows the experience and skill equivalent to the Fourth Rank of Sword Dao.

[The Legend of Miyamoto Musashi]

Description: Temporarily acquires the skills of "Niten Ichi Style" representative—Miyamoto Musashi.

Status: Active (Time remaining: 9:20:32)

The effect of Accuracy extends not only to hitting the target precisely but also to perfectly adjusting movements to the correct standard after understanding a certain activity.

Now, under corrections on all fronts, Uesugi Sakura’s movements have become impeccably standard.

’Reverse Two Swords? And with that stance, it’s certainly not the first time handling two-sword style.’

Ishibashi Kesuke’s expression became increasingly solemn, unconsciously tightening the grip on the sword hilts in both hands.

It’s no good just being a target...

His movements began to be cautious as he slowly rotated with two bamboo swords positioned at his waist towards Uesugi Sakura’s right side.

Meanwhile, Uesugi Sakura’s expression was solemn, holding a large sword high in the left hand, with the small knife in the right at mid-level for defense.

Due to the effect of [The Legend of Miyamoto Musashi], at this moment, all Ishibashi Kesuke’s moves appeared full of flaws in Sakura’s eyes.

Not a single move lacked a flaw—torso, head, face, wrist...

Now, as long as he wished, he could instantly subdue his opponent.

The air seemed to solidify between the two during their slow confrontation.

Pa—!

The sound of two bamboo strikes erupted simultaneously, not a moment too soon or late.

Attack and shake-off were completely blocked by Uesugi Sakura with dual swords.

"He actually blocked it!?"

Ishibashi Kesuke’s eyes narrowed, astonished at the bamboo sword blocking his attack.

It wasn’t his reaction speed that amazed him, but the cunning angle and precise position.

The two swords, one long and one short, blocked his attack with extreme distance and precision.

If the strike position had moved slightly downward, it would have disrupted the elegance.

His reverse two swords defended with the short against the long and the long against the short.

’What is this situation!?’

Ishibashi Kesuke couldn’t believe what Uesugi Sakura had said earlier.

The confrontation was over in an instant, and both stepped back simultaneously, releasing their stances.

"Uesugi-san, is this really your first time trying two-sword style?" Ishibashi Kesuke’s voice, full of doubt, came from inside the face shield.

"Yes." Uesugi Sakura replied very calmly, without a trace of fluctuation.

"No, impossible," Ishibashi Kesuke’s experience told him, "Your stance doesn’t resemble a beginner at all. Though lacking in reaction and strength, your skill level unquestionably doesn’t fit that of a beginner."

"You give me the impression as if facing Chief of Police Hanamaru."

"I merely follow my instincts, my body subconsciously reacting to attacks," Uesugi Sakura felt the helmet on his head was a bit stifling, making his voice sound muffled.

Ishibashi Kesuke frowned: "That defense just now had a feel of the ’Niten Ichi Style’; both hands were unusually synchronized as the long and short swords blocked my attack almost simultaneously."

"Is such a move subconscious? When facing attacks, people instinctively dodge or close their eyes. Only through constant training day and night can such reactions be achieved."

"That defense alone was at least of Sword Dao Fifth Rank, and in two-sword style no less."

"Haven’t you trained before?"

"..."

Ishibashi Kesuke’s probing gaze grew sharper, leaving Uesugi Sakura at a loss.

Is this... getting out of hand?

Is the dual judgement from Accuracy Lv5 and [The Legend of Miyamoto Musashi] really that powerful?

It was merely a casual defensive move he’d performed while holding back, without aggression.

Yet, even such a casual swing drew such suspicion.

It seems that having a golden finger still isn’t that useful after all.

"Never mind," Ishibashi Kesuke shook his head and said, "These things aren’t what I should be concerned with, and it’s no wonder Chief of Police Hanamaru asked me not to hold back. It seems you do have significant strength."

Ishibashi Kesuke stepped back, adopting a natural stance, holding the sword with his left and right hands.

Then, leaning forward about 30 degrees, keeping his eyes on Uesugi Sakura.

Assuming the stance of greeting, he solemnly said: "Ishibashi Kesuke, Sword Dao Fifth Rank, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Style·Two-Sword Skill, pleased to meet you! Uesugi-san!"

This acknowledged him as a worthy opponent to be taken seriously, without underestimating him due to the age difference.

Uesugi Sakura straightened up, returning the greeting:

"Uesugi Sakura, No Rank, pleased to meet you."

...

Half an hour later.

"Phew~"

At the edge of the dojo, Ishibashi Kesuke took off his stifling helmet, revealing a forehead covered in sweat.

Glancing at Kitada Koushin and Ishibashi Kiyosaku still sparring ahead, he said to Uesugi Sakura sitting cross-legged beside him:

"After a bout, I can still see many of your shortcomings."

"Strength and reaction are still lacking," Uesugi Sakura looked at the bamboo sword in his hand, the numbness from the exchange not yet faded.

Ishibashi Kesuke wasn’t weak, each move aimed straight at vital points, with the short sword in his left hand perfectly complementing his movement, achieving a well-rounded offense and defense.

"Exactly!" Ishibashi Kesuke smiled, "Your skill and experience are outstanding, and your Qi Union is commendable, but physically you’re a bit deficient. If you wish to reach a higher rank, effort in this area is essential."

"Nevertheless, this level of ability is enough for you to dominate your high school’s Kendo Department and place among the top in the national tournament."

"How about it, are you interested in participating to prove your strength?"

"I plan to take first place in the national Kendo competition."

Ishibashi Kesuke looked at Uesugi Sakura beside him, then suddenly laughed: "Great! Very ambitious!"

Pa—!

In the dojo, the two opponents with bamboo swords stood facing off also glanced over.

"Officer Ishibashi, what’s so amusing?"

"Haha, nothing, just that I’ve already foreseen the future champion of the Kendo tournament."

"Oh!" Ishibashi Kiyosaku’s voice rang with approval from inside the helmet, "Very ambitious indeed, Uesugi-san, at your age I didn’t dare to be so confident."

Kitada Koushin calmly regarded him: "You, might end up out of the competition due to a foul right when you enter the arena. Only I would tolerate such non-swordsmanship from you."

"Haha, no matter what, you still have to treat me to grilled skewers!"

Ishibashi Kiyosaku stepped back, exerting his left foot in a sliding step, as the bamboo sword in his hand struck fiercely upward.

Pa—!

The sound of bamboo swords clashing resounded again, accompanied by their nimble actions, reverberating without pause.

Buzz buzz...

Uesugi Sakura finally managed to reach the phone tucked inside his hakama, and said to Ishibashi Kesuke beside him:

"Officer Ishibashi, I’m going to take a call."

"Go ahead, you can continue practicing when you return, sparring with you is quite enjoyable."

"Mm."

Heading to the corridor outside the Kendo dojo, Uesugi Sakura leaned against a window where the night breeze swept in and answered the phone:

"Hanabi, what’s up?"

Once connected, a panicked voice suddenly came from the other end:

"Uesugi-kun, Uesugi-kun! Are you alright? Are you okay?"

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