HRU: Chapter 398/399

Chapter 398: I Also Want to Learn Kidō

Suguru shook his head, his black hair swaying slightly with the movement. "No, Satoru. This is not just about Six Eyes. Your talent, hard work, and understanding of power are far superior to mine. That is a fact."

"You are too self-deprecating." Satoru showed a rare serious expression. "The reason we are called the strongest duo is because our strengths complement each other perfectly. Your Cursed Spirit Manipulation can overwhelm a thousand with one."

The sunlight slanted across the training ground, giving the two figures a golden edge. Shunichi stood in the distance watching, a hint of relief in his eyes. These two have grown a lot. Satoru's talent is astonishing, but Suguru's growth is equally impressive.

"Speaking of which," Satoru suddenly thought of something, "have you made any new progress in your Cursed Spirit Manipulation lately? That Rainbow Dragon was much faster than last time."

Suguru's eyes lit up. "Yes. I've been studying how to make the cursed spirits coordinate better with Dankū. If I can switch between offense and defense instantly..."

"That's a good idea." Satoru thought seriously. "If we can combine a cursed spirit's surprise attack with Dankū's defense, it will be a very powerful combination."

Even now, he is still thinking about how to help me improve my combat power. Suguru felt a warmth in his chest. This is my good friend, Satoru.

...

The autumn sun slanted through the window lattices of the Gojo Kyokushin-ryu Dojo, coating the entire space in warm gold.

The old wooden floor bore traces of countless practice sessions. Those shallow dents and scratches silently told of the unremitting efforts of generations of practitioners.

In a corner of the dojo, several wooden swords were neatly placed on a rack. The paint on the blades had become mottled after years of use, yet they exuded a sense of history.

Shoko stood in the center of the dojo, looking at Riko in front of her.

An unprecedented determination gleamed in the girl's clear eyes. She held the practice bokken tightly, her knuckles whitening from the force.

The air was filled with the scent of sandalwood, the lingering fragrance of incense burned during the morning classes, lending a solemn atmosphere to the entire space.

"Riko," Shoko said softly, her voice as gentle as ever, tinged with her signature concern. "I really don't have the authority to teach you Kidō directly. But before that, can you tell me why you suddenly want to learn this power?"

An autumn breeze blew in from the open sliding door, carrying a few red maple leaves onto the smooth floor.

Shoko's long hair was gently lifted by the wind. Her figure, framed against the shrine behind her, formed a picture full of quiet poise.

Her eyes were gentle, yet a bit scrutinizing.

This child has changed a lot recently. Is it because of Reverse Cursed Technique? Or is this a desire that has always been hidden in her heart?

Riko looked down at the wooden sword in her hands. After a brief silence, she raised her head with a firm gaze.

"After seeing the battle between Satoru and Suguru, I finally understood what it means to be strong. The ability to use power with ease, to control it freely... I want to be that strong too. Not for fighting, but to truly protect what I want to protect."

Shoko could sense the sincerity in Riko's words.

As the teacher who had been guiding her swordsmanship, she knew better than anyone what potential lay within this seemingly delicate girl.

With every practice, every repeated swing, Riko had shown extraordinary focus and perseverance.

Just then, brisk footsteps approached from the training grounds.

Satoru and Suguru had finished their sparring for the day and were walking toward the dojo. There were still traces of battle on them, and faint residual fluctuations of Cursed Energy lingered in the air.

Satoru casually brushed the white hair on his forehead and showed his signature lazy smile.

"Man, I'm exhausted today."

Satoru stretched exaggeratedly, his tone a bit complaining, but his eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

"By the way, what new thing is Satoshi tinkering with in the forge? I heard clanging this morning when I passed by. Is he making something weird again?"

Suguru shook his head helplessly. "You are too rude. You are from the Gojo clan after all..."

"Come on." Satoru cut off his friend's lecture with a grin, a cunning light flashing in Six Eyes. "Do we really need to be so reserved here? Besides, Satoshi will be annoyed if he hears you say that."

As he spoke, he stepped into the dojo. His sharp gaze caught the subtle atmosphere between Riko and Shoko. "What are you two talking about so seriously?"

Shoko briefly explained Riko's request to learn Kidō.

After hearing this, Satoru, who had maintained a relaxed expression, suddenly became serious. The change in his demeanor made everyone present feel an unusual tension.

Sunlight filtered through the window lattices, casting mottled shadows on the floor. The breeze carried the rustling of distant leaves. The entire dojo seemed shrouded in a special atmosphere.

Satoru stood there, the light in Six Eyes growing deep. He looked directly at Riko, his voice carrying a rare gravity.

"Riko, I have a question for you." He spoke slowly, each word carrying unusual weight. "As the Star Plasma Vessel, are you still prepared to merge with Lady Tengen?"

The sudden question was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples through the room.

Riko stood there in a daze, her pupils slightly dilated, and the hand holding the wooden sword tightened unconsciously.

The word merge had always been like a heavy burden on her heart. When brought up so directly, she was at a loss for words.

She looked down at her trembling hands, a storm churning in her chest.

Lady Tengen... merging... the word always fills me with fear.

But without the merger, the entire world will be in danger.

Yet after the merger, will I still be who I am now? The memories with everyone, the times I practiced so hard, and this current desire to become stronger, will all of that disappear?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 399: I Agree

The air seemed to freeze, and even the brisk autumn breeze felt as if it had stalled.

Suguru and Shoko exchanged a look, surprise and confusion in both their eyes.

Why would Satoru ask this question now?

Satoru looked at Riko, who was lost in thought, and raised his hand to signal her not to rush her answer.

"This kind of thing needs careful consideration." He turned to Shoko and Suguru. "Come with me." He then walked toward the corridor outside the dojo.

The three of them stopped under a tall maple tree.

The deep red leaves were especially vivid in the sun, and the fallen leaves fluttered lightly in the wind.

Satoru leaned against an old wooden pillar, his gaze drifting toward the forge in the distance, where the sound of hammering still rang in intervals.

"That guy Satoshi," Satoru said with a meaningful smile, "he always sees things we do not."

"What do you mean?" Suguru asked, frowning.

"Didn't you notice?" Satoru's gaze stayed on the forge. "Ever since getting Sakanade, Riko has become a completely different person. Not only has her strength changed, more importantly..."

"She started having her own thoughts and pursuits," Shoko said, a hint of realization in her voice. "She no longer just passively accepts everything."

"Exactly."

Satoru nodded, a note of pride in his tone. "That is Satoshi's intention.

"Forging Sakanade for Riko was not to restrict her from the start, but to help her find her own path."

Suguru looked toward the dojo thoughtfully. Riko was still deep in thought. "So you asked that question just now..."

"I think we can let her learn Kidō," Satoru said, his tone suddenly light. "But we should still ask Satoshi's opinion. Though I am sure he will agree."

He walked toward the forge, his back relaxed and at ease.

In the forge, the fire burned bright. The air carried the smell of metal and charcoal, and the tools on the wall cast flickering shadows in the firelight.

Satoshi was focused on crafting. The firelight outlined the calm lines of his face. Hearing footsteps, he spoke without looking up.

"In trouble again?"

"Hey, you are underestimating me," Satoru said, pretending to be annoyed. "I am very seriously teaching the juniors. So, what are you tinkering with this time? Could it be..."

"Riko wants to learn Kidō?" Satoshi interrupted, putting down his tools before turning to look at him.

The fire cast warm light on the brothers' profiles, one calm, the other lazy, yet both carrying the same depth. Sunlight slanted in through the window, and their shadows crossed on the floor.

"I agree," Satoshi said simply, his voice calm and firm. "You are the most suitable person to teach her."

"Is that really alright?" Satoru's expression turned uncharacteristically serious, the light in Six Eyes deepening. "Even if I have mastered most Kidō, there is the Star Plasma Vessel issue..."

"Precisely because she is the Star Plasma Vessel," Satoshi cut him off, his voice carrying unquestionable weight, "she needs the freedom to choose. Whether to merge with Tengen should be her decision. To make a true choice, she needs enough power and wisdom."

Satoru looked at his brother, then smiled. "You really have not changed at all, Satoshi. Always worrying while pretending you do not care."

"You are so long-winded." Satoshi turned back to his work, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "Instead of worrying about me, think about how to teach your student properly."

"Got it, got it." Satoru turned to leave, his back lighter than when he came. "When you are done, come meet your future favorite student. Come see how your Zanpakutō turned out."

The steady hammering resumed in the forge. Satoshi worked with full attention, but a smile flickered in his thoughts. This guy Satoru can be very accurate sometimes.

At dusk, when the news reached the dojo, Riko stood in the afterglow of the setting sun, looking at Sakanade in her hand.

The Zanpakutō's blade glowed with a warm luster in the fading light, as if responding to its master's will. As the light flowed, the delicate patterns on the blade seemed to surface, each line carrying the forger's painstaking effort.

Taking another step forward. She gently stroked the blade, determination filling her heart. This time, I will seize my own fate. Whatever lies ahead, it will be my choice.

...

In the forge, the fire burned bright. The smell of metal and charcoal intertwined in the air, and the tools on the wall cast dancing shadows in the flickering light.

The old wooden floor had been worn smooth by years of work, every grain telling of countless days and nights.

Satoshi stood at the bench, staring at the failed piece in front of him, his brows faintly furrowed. This was already the seventeenth attempt, yet there was still no sign of success in achieving Tenshintai.

Various tools lay scattered across the table, each well maintained and reflecting a cool sheen in the firelight. In the corner, a pile of previous failures rested, varied in shape yet all emitting subtle fluctuations of Reiryoku.

In addition to the smell of metal and charcoal, faint traces of residual Cursed Energy lingered in the air.

Why is it always just a little short...

Satoshi picked up the latest failed piece and carefully examined the patterns on its surface.

"Hey, stupid brother," Satoru's voice drifted in from outside, lazy and teasing. "Are you torturing yourself here again?"

Satoru strode into the forge, his open white coat fluttering behind him.

He picked up a failed piece and turned it in his hand, a playful gleam in Six Eyes. Even facing his brother's repeated failures, the Gojo family's genius maintained his usual relaxed demeanor.

"How many times has it been?" Satoru continued, tossing the failed piece lightly. "Ah, the seventeenth, right? I am telling you, you are a total workaholic. Consider taking a break. Even for my genius brother, you cannot keep dwelling on this."

(To be continued.)