Chương 42: Chapter 42: Once the number one samurai in the world
The battle between Zhou Ming and Hirakawa Taisho quickly spread among the upper class in Kyoto with the help of those who intended to stir up the situation. Although Hirakawa Taisho's name was not known to the people of Kyoto, no one among the upper class dared to ignore him.
The personal bodyguard of Nohara Momonosuke, who was always favored by Momonosuke and had a great influence despite his low rank, had countless high-ranking officials and nobles seeking to establish a relationship with him but had no way to do so.
As the personal protector of Nohara Momonosuke, Hirakawa Taisho's martial prowess was beyond doubt. No assassin could survive if they appeared before him inside the palace.
Although there was no such title as "the strongest samurai in the palace," everyone undoubtedly believed that Hirakawa Taisho was that person.
Now, when someone who defeated Hirakawa Taisho appeared, that person instantly became the topic of discussion among the upper class.
Especially with the impending arrival of the "World's Number One Samurai Tournament" and news that the Emperor's health was deteriorating, various lords began arriving in Kyoto. The feeling of a storm about to break was palpable in the hearts of every upper-class person in Kyoto.
A powerful warrior and the daimyo he represented could very well be the successor to the throne! Once the succession was completed, what would become of these "old retainers" would depend on their performance.
For example, now or earlier, they had to "place their bets" and support the daimyo they believed was most likely to become the Emperor. If they won, they would ascend to greater heights.
As for losing, gamblers never considered that possibility.
In the Tokugawa dojo,
Tokugawa Hidetaka kneeled on a tatami mat. Across from him, a middle-aged man who looked about the same age as him was brewing tea.
Hot water was poured into the cup, and the fragrance of tea filled the air. The green bamboo cup was pushed in front of Tokugawa Hidetaka.
"Please, I don't have any good tea here like you do at your estate," the middle-aged man said.
"Sensei, don't make fun of me," Tokugawa Hidetaka said with a bitter smile. He picked up the cup, took a sip, and savored the bittersweet taste that lingered on his lips.
"How is Dashi Takashi doing?" Tokugawa Hidetaka asked softly, setting the cup down.
"He's improving very quickly. He's progressed faster than at any other time he's been with me," the middle-aged man said, holding the cup in his hands and looking out the window. "Hatred is the best fuel for progress, but it's also easy to burn oneself out and perish."
Tokugawa Hidetaka fell silent, bowing his head. "I'm sorry, Sensei."
"You shouldn't apologize to me," the middle-aged man said seriously. "You're on the path to success. You should only apologize when you fail."
"Hai!" Tokugawa Hidetaka shouted.
"Drink your tea," the middle-aged man said.
Tokugawa Hidetaka picked up the cup again, and the two men drank their tea in silence for a while. After a long moment, the middle-aged man spoke again. "What do you think of Zhou Ming, the warrior who defeated Hirakawa Taisho?"
In the drooping eyelids of Tokugawa Hidetada, a glimmer of light flashed, and he raised his head.
"He's very strong."
"How strong?"
"Very strong."
"Um." The middle-aged man nodded, understanding.
"I heard that there have been people challenging him continuously in these few days. There are assassins, death warriors, wandering samurai, and even famous masters."
"That's right, and... everyone who challenged him died. Basically, no one can last more than ten moves against him before being killed. After killing these people for the past few days, there are very few people who dare to come and challenge him."
The middle-aged man nodded approvingly and said, "Very decisive. To lurk, assassinate, poison, and ambush, the challenges he faces are more than just surface-level challenges. If he wants to reduce the fighting, he must work harder to kill."
"That's what the sensei said."
"So, did you send anyone to challenge him?"
The middle-aged man's sudden question made Tokugawa Hidetaka's breath catch.
"Sensei, I..." Tokugawa Hidetaka hesitated for a moment, then calmly said, "Yes, and there are many."
"Good." The middle-aged man nodded calmly as well.
"It seems that he is indeed a very powerful opponent." The middle-aged man poured Tokugawa Hidetaka another cup of tea.
"It's time for me to burn out the last of my brilliance with these old bones."
"Sensei, you..." Tokugawa Hidetaka widened his eyes.
"Why are you so surprised?" The middle-aged man looked at him coldly. "Are you saying that you came here just to drink tea?"
Tokugawa Hidetaka lowered his head again and picked up his teacup.
"Then, everything will be as the sensei says."
The middle-aged man laughed, his expression complex and relieved. He asked, "When?"
"The day after tomorrow, the Emperor has ordered that there will be a banquet in the palace, and all the daimyos will attend. After that, it will be the beginning of the strongest samurai tournament in the world."
"Good."
The middle-aged man nodded.
"Sensei, I will fully cooperate with you when the time comes." Tokugawa Hidetaka said it again.
"Okay." The middle-aged man nodded again, his words suddenly becoming extremely concise.
"I'm going to see Dashi Takashi, and as for you, do as you please."
After speaking, the middle-aged man stood up and walked out on his own.
"Sensei..." Tokugawa Hidetada watched his back, his tone somewhat bitter.
The middle-aged man's body paused slightly and then continued to walk outside without any pause.
Tokugawa Hidetada watched the middle-aged man walk out like this, turn a corner, and disappear from his sight, his footsteps gradually fading away.
He put down the teacup in his hand, looked at the mist still rising inside, and took a long sigh.
His sensei, Tokugawa Yamato, was also his uncle. Although he looked like a middle-aged man, his actual age was already over sixty.
Because of practicing martial arts all year round and being proficient in health preservation secrets, even at an age when most people have already died of old age, he still maintains considerable physical strength.
Dashi Takashi was a wandering samurai that Tokugawa Hidetada accidentally met a year ago. Because he saw that he had outstanding talent, he brought him to the Tokugawa Dojo and introduced him to Tokugawa Yamato as a disciple.
Daishi Takashi showed extraordinary talent not long after, and even Tokugawa Yamato was amazed by his progress in martial arts.
Tokugawa Hidetada himself, when he was young, also studied under his uncle, Tokugawa Yamato, who was a master of martial arts.
At that time, Tokugawa Yamato, like Daishi Takashi today, was remarkably talented and had superb swordsmanship. He made a name for himself in Kyoto, and then quickly rose to prominence, challenging various dojos and winning every time. He was unstoppable.
By the time he was thirty, Tokugawa Yamato was already a legend, with a solid reputation that no one dared challenge. He was unbeatable.
At that time, Tokugawa Yamato was invincible!
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