New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (1/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 173

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

I was welcomed by Kondo-san and Onee-san as I passed through the gate of the Shura Dojo.

Inside was a purely Japanese-style building. After removing my shoes, I walked along a wooden corridor and entered a space at the end, which turned out to be the dojo itself. The walls and floors were made of polished wooden boards. The dark brown color had developed over a long time as layers of history built upon it, yet the natural grain of the wood still remained visible. There was a tense yet dignified atmosphere in the space, one that naturally made the mind focus and the body stand straighter.

An elderly man seated at the upper position opened his eyes slightly and turned his gaze toward us. He was most likely the master of the dojo. Although he did not release any killing intent, his presence alone made it clear to me that he was a formidable individual.

As Kondo-san and Onee-san bowed slightly upon entering, I followed their example and did the same.

No one else was present. The elderly man introduced himself as Kondo, which made me conclude that he must be a relative or associate of Kondo-san. We returned his greeting respectfully.

After receiving permission from both Onee-san and Kondo-san, I began reviewing the techniques I had learned so far. My feet slipped easily, so I removed my socks halfway through, which was rather embarrassing. If that was simply how dojos were, I wished someone had told me beforehand.

Once I grew accustomed to the footing, I was able to focus on my techniques little by little. Even though the people around me caught my attention, I reminded myself that this was why I had come here and that I needed to concentrate.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Hosoi-san fidgeting awkwardly. Perhaps he was forcing himself to remain seated in seiza. Everyone else had already relaxed their posture, so I wished he would do the same.

Emilia had borrowed a long wooden staff and began practicing swings beside me. Muze was sitting comfortably on the lap of the elderly Kondo-san, looking quite pleased. His once stern expression had softened completely.

After I finished reviewing both the unarmed techniques and those involving a drawn blade, someone spoke to me.

“As expected. Although you must have learned by observing my father’s techniques, you have completely refined them into your own. Or perhaps, it means those techniques have already become yours.” (Mai)

Since I had modeled my style after Onee-san’s, either interpretation was fine. Normally, I would have been flustered by such high praise, but I could not feel that way now. A beastlike gaze had been piercing into me for quite some time, refusing to let go.

“Boy, what is your name?” (Kondo)

What? I thought I had already introduced myself.

“My name is Fujikawa Kouta.” (Kouta)

Despite my confusion, I managed to answer the question somehow.

“I will remember that. I thought it unusual for someone so young to walk the path of Shura, but it seems you are already a fine warrior. Do whatever you like as long as you do not destroy anything. From tomorrow onward, you may use this place freely.” (Kondo)

“Thank you very much.” (Kouta)

Wait, is that how this worked? Does that mean I had been accepted? Am I now a disciple or something similar? Onee-san, there is not nearly enough explanation!

“However, one must always give something in return. Isamu! Have a match with him.” (Kondo)

Money? Was he talking about tuition fees?

Kondo-san approached, carrying two wooden swords.

“We cannot use real blades, so please use these.” (Kondo)

“Um, I see.” (Kouta)

Still confused, I accepted the wooden sword. At that point, Kondo-san seemed to realize my concern.

“Ah, I do not mean money. I simply want to gain experience through this. That is why I suggested a match. Is that all right with you?” (Kondo)

“Ah, yes, I understand.” (Kouta)

I could not say I was entirely convinced, but there was no choice but to accept it as it was. I could not refuse after coming this far. More than that, I found myself wanting to face Kondo-san.

I swung the wooden sword several times to get a feel for its weight and length. Something felt off, so I looked around in confusion. It was natural that Muze was not perched on my head, but even so, something still felt strange.

I swung again and soon realized the reason. Though I held a wooden sword in my hands, my katana was still at my waist. That discrepancy was what had caused the feeling of discomfort.

Realizing that, I handed the small Onimaru to Emilia and faced Kondo-san once again.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting.” (Kouta)

“It is quite all right. It would not be fair if only I were fully prepared. Let me explain briefly. You may use any offensive martial technique, provided it does not damage the dojo. Likewise, the use of offensive magic is permitted. However, anything that would require cleanup afterward, such as sand, is prohibited. Understood?” (Kondo)

“Yes. So, any other martial or magic techniques are allowed, correct?” (Kouta)

“Exactly. You understand quickly. A clean hit or a well-controlled strike counts as one point. The match will end either when the dojo master or Suzuki-kun calls a stop, even if it is in the middle of the bout. Is that clear?” (Kondo)

“Understood.” (Kouta)

My body was already starting to tremble with anticipation, as if it could no longer suppress its eagerness. It seemed that I had even imitated Onee-san’s battle-hungry nature.

“Then, shall we begin?” (Kondo)

I solemnly gave my assent.

 

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