My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 458: Chapter 163: A Talent That Even Among a Million Aotos, Not One May Possess

”But I think this rumor... is likely one of the many false rumors.”

”After all, Mamiya Kurō was a great sword hero who became active during the Kansei Era, 70 years ago.”

”The chance he’s alive now... I think is quite small.”

The crowd listened quietly to the story of Mamiya Kurō.

As Chiba Eijiro finished speaking, everyone showed expressions of amazement and shock.

Everyone felt a thousand emotions about such a formidable character amidst the long river of history.

Only Aoto’s expression appeared somewhat unusual...

The immensely powerful great sword hero, the vividly described legend of slicing through armor on an ironclad ship, known by the moniker ”Flowing Light Eight Banners,” rumored to be residing in Edo now...

All of this made Aoto involuntarily recall the eternal talent ”Eightfold Banner of No Regrets” he copied that night a few days ago, as well as the mysterious figure in a brown robe from whom he copied this talent.

At this very moment, Aoto felt like his body was falling downwards.

Could it... really be...?

”Hahaha, I got carried away and told the story for too long.” Chiba Eijiro chuckled a few times, perhaps feeling hot, and began to remove the armor and gauntlets he still wore.

”Mr. Chiba!”

At that moment, a loud shout suddenly rang out, drawing everyone’s attention and interrupting Aoto’s deep thoughts.

All eyes were simultaneously focused on the person who shouted—Mr. Nagakura.

Mr. Nagakura seemed not particularly interested in Mamiya Kurō’s story.

Just as Chiba Eijiro finished the story of Mamiya Kurō, he couldn’t wait to interrupt Chiba Eijiro.

Sitting in a standard kneeling position not far from Aoto, Mr. Nagakura exchanged glances with Chiba Eijiro, then bowed respectfully, placing his hands on the floor, and spoke loudly to the floor just a fist’s length from his nose:

”It’s my great fortune to witness your prowess today, truly a blessing of three lifetimes.”

”Pardon my abruptness, could you kindly instruct us on how you usually hone your swordsmanship?”

”I must confess, I strive to become an unrivaled swordsman like Uekizawa Shingen and Ogata Isseki, practicing swordsmanship rigorously to grow stronger, abandoning my home and setting out on martial artist’s cultivation, wandering far and wide.”

”Earlier, the duel with you made me deeply realize how weak I am compared to a true master like you.”

”Mr. Chiba, how can I become as strong as you?”

After those words, Mr. Nagakura raised his head once more to exchange gazes with Chiba Eijiro—pure sincerity sparkled in his eyes.

Witnessing Mr. Nagakura’s direct and bold request for guidance, everyone turned their gaze to Chiba Eijiro after a brief moment of surprise.

Chiba Eijiro raised an eyebrow, touching his hair, let out a forced dry laugh: ”Ha... asking me how I usually hone my swordsmanship...”

”Mr. Nagakura, you’ve truly stumped me this time.”

”I don’t use any special training method in daily life.”

”My practice is just like how anyone typically practices swordsmanship.”

”Perhaps the only difference is that my practice time is slightly longer.”

”If I were to offer any advice...”

Reflecting and weighing... the emotions unique to thought appeared on his face. Chiba Eijiro’s expression read ”I am thinking hard.”

”...it would probably be ’don’t get stuck, learn to change your mindset.’

Changing mindset—this peculiar phrase bewildered everyone, including Zhouzhu.

Chiba Eijiro noticed the transformation in everyone’s expressions and, smiling tenderly, he gently collected his reminiscent and pondering demeanor:

”Do you know why I entered the service of Mito Domain 7 years ago?”

Facing Chiba Eijiro’s sudden rhetorical question, the people in the dojo shook their heads in bewilderment.

Why did Chiba Eijiro enter the service of Mito Domain... that remains a major mystery in the Edo Swordsmanship World.

Given Chiba Eijiro’s skill, inheriting his father Chiba Shusaku’s legacy, and succeeding as the second-generation head of the Beichen One-Sword Style and the second-generation Hall Master of Xuanwu Hall was an absolute certainty.

However, an unexpected turn occurred—Chiba Eijiro did not inherit the Chiba family’s substantial estate; instead, he accepted an invitation from Mito Domain in Kaei 6 (1853) and entered its service.

The vast estate of the Chiba family ultimately fell on Chiba Shusaku’s third son: Chiba Daisaburo.

Five years ago, after Chiba Shusaku passed away, Chiba Daisaburo succeeded as the second-generation head of the Beichen One-Sword Style and the second-generation Hall Master of Xuanwu Hall.

Since Chiba Eijiro never publicly disclosed his reasons for abandoning the Chiba family’s estate and joining Mito Domain, this matter slowly turned into one of the great mysteries of the Edo Swordsmanship World.

Chiba Eijiro seemed intent on observing Aoto and the others’ reactions, scrutinizing each person’s expression before breaking the silence of the dojo again.

”The reason isn’t complicated—simply wanting to see some ’scenery’ I had never seen before, to change my mindset.”