CH 2

Father and his brothers couldn’t see it, but Motochika’s face had a smile on it as he humbly bowed his head to answer the patriarch’s command.

The successor of the Kurosu swordsmanship is obligated to undergo warrior training.

This was not only a demonstration to let others know of the family’s power, but also a tradition to convince the members of the family. However, for Motochika, who was chosen as the successor, he was simply delighted to be able to venture out into the outside world.

Motochika knew that in these times, being solely focused on swordsmanship made him a strange and eccentric person in the eyes of his family members.

Even when complaints were brought to him about defeating other samurai, his father and older brothers would bow their heads in apology.

“Hey, Motochika, I’m worried about you. You’re inflexible, stubborn, aggressive, and sometimes you seem a little crazy. The world is full of irrationality that you may not understand. I’m worried about how far you can go without compromising yourself,” said his older brother.

“Using the sword to solve everything is your bad habit, Motochika. I never thought you would even show your fangs to Father…I’m not saying you should be submissive, but at least consider the consequences. If you don’t show mercy, all the paths you walk will be stained with blood. Don’t forget that,” said another brother.

Although his brothers were worried about his unconventional ways, Motochika remained nonchalant and replied, “You don’t have to worry about me, older brothers. I have become much more patient lately.”

“Wait, you weren’t here for a few days last week. Where were you?” asked his brother.

“I heard that a samurai who had hit one of our peasants was heading to a village over the mountain, so I went to get his head. He was so pathetic begging for his life that I took his sword instead of his head. That’s what we call samurai mercy, isn’t it?” replied Motochika.

“……”

While they had always known that Motochika had an impressive sword, his brothers’ anxieties only increased upon hearing that he had casually taken a sword that could be seen as a samurai’s soul.

***

After receiving his final guidance from his father, Motochika set out on a journey, bidding farewell to his family.

With no specific destination in mind, he wandered from town to town in search of stronger opponents. Whenever he encountered fellow samurai on the same journey, he challenged them to a fight, and whenever he heard of a famous school boasting of being the best in the country, he would invade their dojo.

Along the way, whenever he heard of a battle nearby, he would join in without knowing who was fighting for what, slashing his way through enemies who came at him, turning the battlefield into a hellish scene.

While most of his opponents were just talk, there were also those who stunned him with their unique fighting styles or innate talent.

He was intimidated by those who kicked up sand to blind him, or threw hidden needles in the middle of a clash.

He lost an ear to a high-ranking student who specialized in thrusting attacks at lightning speed.

He also fought against a group of suspected ninjas who attacked him in his sleep and shot him in the stomach with short guns, causing him to vomit blood.

But he defeated them all.

Despite facing death countless times, Motochika was convinced that his decision to embark on this journey was the right one. He felt the rush of his blood boiling as he pushed himself to the limit.

Every time he fought, he learned new techniques, weapons, and tactics, and felt his skills improve day by day. It was a fulfilling and enjoyable journey.

***

“I left home, has it been almost ten years already?

Even though my journey should have been enjoyable, lately I find myself less and less thrilled.

It has become increasingly difficult to find opponents stronger than myself, and even when I do, their techniques and tactics are predictable.

I can no longer feel surprise or joy.

Is there any meaning left in this journey?

Should I start considering returning home?

Can I proudly proclaim that I have completed my warrior training?

I keep questioning myself.

I am not arrogant enough to claim that I have become invincible, but as an average swordsman, I cannot even find someone to play with.

I have not had the chance to utilize the skills, trained body, acquired knowledge, and honed sword. The battles end too soon.

Recently, an ominous nickname “Black Demon” has been circulating, causing some people to run away just at the mention of my name.

It’s boring.

I have started to feel pain in the days where I cannot fight with all my might. The excitement and sense of accomplishment during a fight were immense. The boredom after that is unbearable.

I don’t mind if someone uses dirty tricks against me. I welcome ambushes, deceptions, or even being surrounded by many enemies.

I just want to feel that excitement, that crazy passion throughout my entire body, that feeling of being lifted high into the sky like I did at the beginning of my journey.

I walk the mountain path to meet a self-proclaimed “invincible warrior” I recently discovered.

All that’s on my mind during this journey is a strong prayer to the gods.

Oh, please, let me meet a strong opponent this time.

Please let them be a master who can threaten my life.

I hope to meet an unheard-of enemy that I have never seen or heard of before…”