A few decades ago, when he was still human, Dad Ronin was still struggling to meet a man who was stronger than he was.

　He was tormented by the conflict of not being able to meet a man stronger than he was, while still having doubts about his own strength. But the day will come when his tengu nose will be broken.

　Ronin learns that in a small country west of Midonia there is a man called the Swordsman. To find out if he is the Swordsman's master, Ronin heads to the mountain where the Kamiizumi is located, but there he has a shocking experience.


　For the first time in his life he meets a man who is stronger than him.


　The man looks like a poor old man.

　In fact, when Ronin saw him, he was working with a hoe in hand.

　It was hard to believe that he was an old man who had been nicknamed the "Sage of Swords", but the house where he lived had a sign that said "Kamiizumi Style" on it.

　Ronin looks at the old man quizzically, but does not let his appearance deceive him and challenges him to a fight.

　He challenges the old man, who is enjoying a bowl of rice, to a challenge.

"So you're the Kamiizumi?

"How

I've heard that poor old man is the best in the country.

That's a misnomer.

　The old man bashfully scratches his head.

"What. So you're as good as you look. An old man like you can't be the best in the country.

That's right. I'm the best in the world.

"It's .......

　Ronin frowns at the too great a statement.

You said it, old man. I've been kind to the old man, so I thought I'd just take the sign and leave it at that.

What. You're a dojo-killer.

"It's not that big of a deal. I'm just looking for a man who is stronger than I am.

I see, you've come this far in your quest for strength only.

"Yes. I want to be stronger.

I can make you my apprentice. I just wanted a young one to chop wood.

"I'm a wood chipper?　Don't lick it, old man.

"I thought you were kind to old people.

"Some people are better than others. I hate old men who talk too much.
I have no desire to be liked by you. But you have to show that this world is still wide open. That is what those of us who have tried to master the way of the sword should strive to do.

　Says old man Kamiizumi, and brings a dagger from the back of the house. No, it's not even a dagger, it's a poorly made knife.

You're not going to f*ck me with a fruit knife like that, are you?

That No Way!

　Ronin was annoyed by these words. But old man Kamiizumi doesn't seem bothered and holds a fruit knife.

"When you master the way of the sword, a knife like this will be as good as the holy sword. Especially when you and I are as far apart in skill as we are.

"...... friggin' old man

　Ronin puts his hand to his sword at his waist.

"Not outright anger. How can I control my sword if I can't control my emotions? --Well, I guess that's no use to you now.

　When the old man said that, he let Ronin draw his sword and said, "Pull out. The Ronin, who had already lost his respect for the old man's spirit, drew his sword from his waist and slashed at the kamiizumi.

　Of course, it wasn't a killing blow, but it was enough to cut off his arm. It was a blow that the old man assumed that a swordsman would be prepared to do that, but there was no way that such a sweet blow could have passed for the Swordsman.

　The old man's movement was like running water as he exchanged Ronin's slash, and then he thrust the fruit knife into Ronin's neck with a smooth movement as if he were one with the wind.

　The movement was so natural that Ronin didn't even have time to blink.

Silly. What a move. I couldn't react because I have eyes sharper than a hawk's (......).

　It is often stunned by the fact that it is too much, but soon realizing the difference between the old man and himself, Ronin immediately got down on his knees. Rubbing his head on the ground, he spat out the words that spontaneously escaped from his body.


"I beg you to take me as your disciple.


　An old man who was stronger than he was. I was attracted by his strength, but I was also impressed by his deep humanity.

　If you should be taught a sword, this is the man. No, it has to be him. It was such a feeling of destiny.

　Old man Kamiizumi recognized Ronin's talent. This arrogant young man could go on forever. Later, the old man said he felt his destiny.

　Thus the old man took the "second" disciple.