Niitsuma Kan couldn’t stop clamoring in his heart: Why is this Tachibana Aoto so warmly received by Chiba Shigetarou?! Is it because of his decent looks or his outstanding abilities?
Niitsuma Kan had always heard of Aoto’s reputation and achievents, but he didn’t think much of Aoto’s abilities.
Niitsuma Kan had quite a bit of confidence in his own talent and abilities.
He admitted that being able to achieve such feats as seriously impacting the "Radical Anti-foreigner Faction" within just three months showed that Aoto had so skills, but Niitsuma Kan felt that if he were put in Aoto’s position, with his capabilities, he could achieve the sa... or even surpass Aoto’s accomplishnts!
Niitsuma Kan was not alone—many young swordsn held similar thoughts: believing that if they were put in Aoto’s position, they could achieve results not inferior to, or directly surpassing, those of Aoto.
I wonder if I’ll get the chance to face this Tachibana Aoto in this competition...
Niitsuma Kan’s hands, placed on his legs, slowly tightened.
If I could defeat Tachibana Aoto in this competition, under the watchful eyes of the spectators, would the attitude of Chiba Shigetarou and the others towards change... Niitsuma Kan couldn’t help but think.
After throwing a few more jealous glances at Aoto, Niitsuma Kan turned his gaze towards the "VIP Platform" located on the north side of the arena.
Looking at the superior persons on the "VIP Platform", Niitsuma Kan involuntarily showed a yearning expression.
I didn’t expect so many Daimyo to co and watch this competition.
If I have a particularly remarkable performance in this competition, maybe I’ll directly gain the recognition of so Daimyo and be granted high ranks and salaries...
If this happens... I wouldn’t need to depend on the Chiba family’s connections anymore.
The presence of so many Daimyo at this competition was truly beyond Niitsuma Kan’s expectations.
He initially registered for this competition just to take advantage of this rare event, mainly to showcase his abilities and potential to the world... particularly to the Chiba family, laying the foundation for future connections.
However, now seeing so many Daimyo seated on the "VIP Platform", Niitsuma Kan’s mindset began to shift.
If he could truly achieve everything in one step, directly gaining the recognition of so Daimyo due to extraordinary performance in this competition, he wouldn’t need to covet the Chiba family’s network resources anymore.
Niitsuma Kan’s hands, placed on his legs, tightened even more.
He silently strengthened his resolve to shine brightly in this swordsmanship competition!
...
...
On the VIP Platform—
"Ah, Marquis of Aizu, there are so many people today." The Lord of Utsunomiya Domain sitting to the left of the Marquis of Aizu laughed heartily at Matsudaira Yoshihiko.
"Such a huge crowd... probably only compares to the Sumr Fireworks Festival and New Year’s prayers." The Lord of Matsudai chid in.
Seated centrally on the VIP Platform, Matsudaira Yoshihiko had been receiving continuous greetings and flattering since a while ago.
Matsudaira Yoshihiko—this young Daimyo, only 24 years old this year, possessed a maturity unmatchable for his age.
This was also related to his life experiences; although Matsudaira Yoshihiko was young, he beca the Daimyo of the Aizu Domain at the age of 16, and was introduced early to concepts of power and politics.
His face was always taut, expressionless, as if no matter what happened, it would not cause his deanor to change.
Regardless of who approached for interaction or connection, his responses were very subdued, basically only nodding lightly, occasionally responding with simple words like "Hmm" or "Oh".
"Didn’t expect one of the contestants in the first match is the recently famous Tachibana Aoto." At this mont, the Lord of the Ninja Clan expressed low admiration while gazing at Adachi and Aoto standing on the east and west sides of the arena, "I’ve been hearing about Tachibana Aoto’s various achievents. Attending this competition is truly worthwhile; I want to see if Tachibana Aoto is as formidable as they say."
The Lord of the Ninja Clan’s words grabbed the attention of several Daimyo.
"Tachibana Aoto... oh, rembered now, the North Guard Station’s ’Three Tis’ official who repeatedly caused trouble for the ’Radical Anti-foreigner Faction’ recently."
"Which one is Tachibana Aoto?"
"Whoa? So there’s such an interesting contestant in this competition, I should certainly pay close attention to Tachibana Aoto’s match."
...
Many Lords raised their gazes towards the arena—including Matsudaira Yoshihiko.
Upon hearing the discussion about Aoto among the surrounding Daimyo, Matsudaira Yoshihiko had already lifted his gaze, casting a glance at the Aoto standing on the east side of the arena.
However, his expression remained calm, and his eyes showed no emotion, as if his interest in Aoto was minimal.
...
...
Chiba Eijiro, sitting up straight, watched Aoto on the battlefield with unwavering attention.
Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, Chiba Domon Shiro, who happened to be sitting beside Chiba Eijiro, spoke softly:
"Second brother. Are you very interested in that Tachibana Aoto?"
"After all, he was vigorously introduced to last night by Shigetarou." Chiba Eijiro chuckled, "I’m quite interested in seeing what kind of skills the person so highly recomnded by Shigetarou has."
"...That Tachibana Aoto does have formidable abilities." Chiba Domon Shiro said quietly, "His performance two months ago at the Red and White Battle against the Little Chiba Sword Dojo didn’t seem at all like a newcor to sword training."
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