Ch.198Rest Time (4)

Upon arriving at the kendo dojo, I found an unexpected guest waiting.

“Uahahaha!! You’re here!! Young swordsman!!!”

It was an elderly man who, despite his age, boasted impressive muscles.

Even though his attitude seemed friendly… he couldn’t hide the killing intent in his eyes. They were eyes that had seen countless battles.

This man… was the warrior god Saito Tetsu.

“Grandfather. Suddenly barging in like this…”

Kana wore an annoyed expression.

“Listen here. An old man’s pleasure is sharing a cup of tea with someone who shares his memories.”

Saito Tetsu said while holding a teacup. He seemed to be having tea with Gonzaemon.

“Hohoho. Don’t mind it.”

Ms. Asuna said while preparing tea.

Ms. Asuna… her belly had grown quite large. I thought to myself that Umi’s younger sibling would be born soon.

“I was just telling him about my experience defeating an oni back in the day.”

Gonzaemon said.

“An oni?”

Like a Japanese goblin?

“Ah. When Gonzaemon and I were returning home after sparring at night… a strange energy filled the air. Then a huge monster appeared.”

Tetsu explained.

“We fought hard, but its body was incredibly tough. In the end, all we managed was to place one sword strike on its forehead. The creature howled in pain and returned to its original world.”

Gonzaemon added.

“Uahahaha! It said it would come back, but it never did!! It’s been over 10 years now!!”

Tetsu laughed heartily.

A forehead wound… an alien crossing through a rift… something clicked in my mind.

‘So these two were the ones who wounded Rahitan’s forehead…’

I pieced together this behind-the-scenes setting.

What a small world. Ironically, Rahitan ended up being killed by Gonzaemon’s disciple and his companions, the same ones he had fought ten years ago. There’s an old saying that the wheel of fate turns slowly. Karma doesn’t always come quickly.

“Anyway!! Shota!!! Let’s spar as usual!!”

Gonzaemon immediately stood up.

Well, today I would spar with Thumbs-up Man and Kana again. Honestly, sparring with those two was quite beneficial.

“Then… shall I observe Arigiri Shota’s swordsmanship?”

Tetsu looked at me with interest.

“Don’t set your eyes on someone else’s disciple.”

Gonzaemon warned.

“Well… it might be unethical, but our Kana really likes Shota. Plus, he seems talented. He’d make a fine son-in-law for the Saito family.”

Tetsu remarked.

“G-Grandfather!! What are you saying?!”

Kana’s face turned red.

“My daughter likes Shota too! They’re practically married already!!! Back off!”

Gonzaemon was determined to protect his disciple.

“I hear he has many other women too. Let’s share him with the Saito family.”

Tetsu suggested.

“I don’t want such a playboy!!”

Kana fumed.

“Oh? You said something different when we talked in private.”

Tetsu smiled slyly.

“Urrrgh…!”

Kana immediately clammed up. Kana… you’re surprisingly weak at verbal sparring!!!

“Anyway, you understand the prestige of the Saito family. Don’t waste your swordsmanship in this rural dojo. Come to us. I’ll give you a good position.”

Tetsu said.

This felt exactly like being a promising young athlete being recruited by a big club!!!

What should I do?

“Torres… Chelsea… ugh… the memories…!!”

I immediately recalled the worst examples. Countless cases of transfers gone wrong flashed through my mind.

At that moment, a man appeared in a corner of my consciousness. Wearing a red uniform, the guardian of Liverpool who excelled at mid-range shots.

He gave me a thumbs up.

“Humba.”

And whispered to me in a profound voice.

“I see… I’ve made my decision.”

I said with refreshing clarity.

“Master… is like a father to me as a swordsman. This dojo is my second home. I won’t leave no matter how much money you offer.”

That’s what I said.

Besides, I had already learned an incredible technique called the Blazing Stance, not the Kiryu Second. If I transferred to the Saito family after learning their techniques, that would be like eating and running.

“Ha! You’re a noble one. No, it’s hard to get a read on you. Sometimes you seem like a playboy… sometimes like a madman… but at the same time, a righteous soul dwells within you.”

Tetsu looked at me with interest.

“Fine. I understand. Kana, let’s try another approach. Capture Shota’s heart yourself. You weren’t born beautiful for nothing.”

Tetsu said.

“S-Stop saying things like that!!!”

Kana’s face turned bright red.

“Come at me, Arigiri Shota!!!”

Kana immediately shouted, holding her bamboo sword. Hey, don’t take out your frustration on me because of the old man’s loose tongue…

After that, I continued sparring sessions one after another. Tetsu watched me intently with eagle eyes. It was a bit pressuring, but once I started swinging my sword, I couldn’t see anything but the sword itself.

Ding!

My sword proficiency increased by about 30. There’s a bonus when fighting against strong opponents. As expected, the dojo… this honey pot I’ve been using since I was a newbie was worth it.

———

Afterward, I was about to shower and head home.

That’s when Umi arrived.

Though dressed casually… she was incredibly beautiful!! Her casual fashion sense made her look stunning. She truly lived up to her title as a fashion model.

“Shota. Here.”

Umi immediately poured a glass of water from the purifier and handed it to me. I mean, I could have gotten water myself.

“Thanks. I’ll enjoy it.”

But I appreciated Umi’s thoughtfulness. I kissed Umi before accepting the water.

“Ehehe. We’re still on for our date tonight, right?”

Umi giggled as she spoke.

“Yes, that’s right.”

I smiled and replied.

“What’s the plan?”

Umi asked, falling into my arms.

“I’ve planned it perfectly.”

I had roughly thought about it between kendo sparring sessions.

“Places to visit… and I’ve even found a motel that allows minors.”

I said, sneakily sliding my hand under Umi’s skirt.

“Kyaa❤ Shota! I love it!!”

Umi rubbed against me.

“………..”

Kana glared intensely at this. This girl… she’s quite hostile to couples.

“Kana. Lighten up.”

Umi immediately giggled.

“Not particularly?!! I’m just making a normal expression?!”

Kana immediately got angry.

“Umi!! Look at this cyber psycho with kinder eyes… she’s trying her best to maintain her humanity.”

I looked at Kana with gentle eyes.

“Enough with that nonsense!!! Cut it out!!”

Kana fumed.

“Let’s leave this angry girl behind and go?”

Umi pulled me along with a victor’s expression.

“Well… then I’ll be going. Master.”

I bowed to Gonzaemon and Asuna.

“Alright. Have a good time.”

Gonzaemon said.

“If… an accident happens, we’ll take care of the child until graduation. Don’t worry and have irresponsible fun!”

Asuna made a comment with some ulterior motive.

Her intention to create a fait accompli and chain me down was obvious. Ms. Asuna… she’s surprisingly scary.

“Shota. Did you hear that? Let’s be irresponsible. Okay?”

Umi said.

“No way.”

I immediately refused. Having a child isn’t something to decide carelessly.

“Aww…”

Umi looked disappointed but still hummed a tune.

———-

I took Umi to a particular place.

It was a somewhat expensive buffet. It was on the top floor of a famous hotel, but it was open to non-hotel guests too, though without discount benefits.

“Is it okay to come to a place like this?”

Umi was surprised but eyed the plates laid out everywhere.

“My novel income has increased… and I sold some monster materials to Greenbeard.”

I smiled and explained.

In other words, I could afford this level of luxury.

“This way, please.”

The waiter immediately led us to a window-side table.

It’s a universal truth that seats with a night view are more expensive. I spent some money on the reservation.

“Oh, and this is a secret from the others, okay?”

I said with a smile.

Even though we have a harmonious harem, women are naturally jealous creatures.

If they found out I spent time with Umi at this high-end buffet… they would demand the same or better, which would ruin my wallet.

“Ehehe. It’s our little secret?”

Umi tilted her head and smiled seductively.

“Yes. That’s right.”

I smiled and kissed Umi.

——–

“Alright!! It’s buffet time!! Take all you want to eat!!!”

I couldn’t exactly tell her to get her money’s worth… but I hoped she’d eat a lot!!

“I… have a magazine photoshoot coming up, so I need to watch my weight…”

Umi said.

“Let’s make today a cheating day.”

I smiled and suggested.

“Yesterday was also a cheating day…”

Umi pointed out.

“Then it’s a double cheating day!!”

If there can be a double bulgogi burger, why not a double cheating day!

“Heh. Why not?”

Umi smiled and picked up a plate. I followed suit.

Well… at a neighborhood buffet, one person would need to guard the table against thieves, but this place seemed safe. Everyone looked wealthy anyway. What would they steal from us?

——-

Umi and I walked past the salad bar.

And… we completely skipped the salad bar.

“Meat is the way to go.”

I smiled at Umi.

“Ah, I agree. I want to fill my plate with meat and luxurious items. Isn’t that the true taste of a buffet?”

Umi giggled.

“Yeah! You know what’s up!! If it gets too rich, that’s when we can sample a bit of salad!!”

“Exactly! Exactly!!”

Umi and I enthusiastically found common ground.

Anyway, Umi and I filled our plates with meat.

It was already fun!!! Umi and I had a great time eating and drinking.

I had achieved the first principle of dating Umi: keeping her well-fed. When she’s hungry, Umi tends to get a bit irritable.

The night view and the dim lighting… the buffet’s atmosphere naturally created a romantic mood.

“Shota. Shall we kiss?”

Umi leaned toward me.

“You don’t need to ask permission every time.”

I put my hand around Umi’s waist.

“Mmm…”

As our faces drew closer, the distance between us became zero.

Umi’s lips tasted like… ribs and garlic. A very down-to-earth flavor.