Chapter 26: Initiation into Basic Swordsmanship

[Ding~ Basic Swordsmanship Experience +1]
[Ding~ Basic Swordsmanship Experience +1]
[Ding~ Basic Swordsmanship Experience +1]
[Ding~ Your Basic Swordsmanship has reached Beginner level]

The system’s notification suddenly changed, snapping Tang Shen out of his immersion in sword practice. He hadn’t expected that, in the blink of an eye, he would have already reached the beginner level in basic swordsmanship.

When he performed the basic sword techniques again, every movement was smooth and natural, without the slightest trace of awkwardness. Chopping, slashing, flicking, intercepting, pushing, thrusting, hacking, tapping, snapping, hooking, parrying, slicing—each move flowed seamlessly into the next, like water streaming through the clouds. He had indeed reached the beginner’s threshold.

Koshiro’s eyes widened. “This... you’ve already reached beginner level.”

In reality, he had already explained much earlier, but seeing Tang Shen so engrossed, he repeated everything again from the start.

The other students at the dojo were a bit puzzled as to why Koshiro was repeating the morning’s lesson, but it didn’t bother them. Normally, it was other instructors who taught them the basics; the dojo master only gave group instruction about once a month, so they kept their silence and followed along with each move.

After all, Koshiro’s explanations were simple and clear—far better and easier to understand than those of the other instructors.

Koshiro simply wanted to see if Tang Shen could fully master the basics, but he hadn’t expected not only success, but mastery in such a short time.

He was a little shaken. This was just too fast!

His own daughter had remarkable talent, yet it had taken her a week to learn, and that was only because she’d been surrounded by swordsmanship since childhood.

Then there was his new disciple, Roronoa Zoro, in whom he had high hopes, but who was still clumsy and awkward—truly a beginner in every sense.

Compared to Tang Shen, the difference was immense!

“Is this what it means to be chosen by the heavens? This is terrifying,” Koshiro thought, shocked.

Ordinary students needed at least three months to reach beginner level. Yet after less than an hour of morning training, Tang Shen had already achieved it. Koshiro began to suspect Tang Shen might have come with a foundation in swordsmanship.

If he had to believe it, he’d rather think Tang Shen had already been on the verge of beginner level before this.

Still, he harbored another suspicion in his heart.

He promptly announced the end of morning practice. The students, though a little confused as to why only half the lesson was repeated, dared not ask. The master’s authority in the dojo was absolute. They would now have breakfast and then begin group physical training.

Seeing practice was over, Tang Shen turned to leave as well, feeling quite pleased. He had already mastered the basic sword techniques and gained new knowledge.

He didn’t notice the figure following behind him—who else but Koshiro?

As Tang Shen searched for his disciple, he couldn’t help but mutter, “Basic swordsmanship is so easy to pick up—truly effortless. I guess when you’re handsome, everything comes easily.”

Koshiro: “……”

Trailing behind, Koshiro’s face darkened and he almost tripped over his own feet. Thankfully, as a master swordsman, his reflexes saved him.

He had never encountered anyone so shameless.

Besides, what did handsomeness have to do with learning anything easily?

Of course, his self-restraint would never allow him to shout such things aloud, nor would he ask such a question. More importantly, he hadn’t come for that reason.

But just because he didn’t ask didn’t mean someone else wouldn’t.

Around the corner, a graceful figure appeared—Kuina, having just finished her own morning practice, happened to overhear Tang Shen’s brazen words.

As a fine young lady, she always asked questions when in doubt—a sign of good character.

“Master, does being handsome actually make learning things easier?” Kuina asked with wide-eyed curiosity.

Tang Shen: “……”

At the same time, Kuina noticed the man behind Tang Shen and quickly bowed. “Good morning, Father!”

“Heh, I’d like to know too. Is there really a direct link between being handsome and learning easily?” Koshiro’s gentle voice chimed in from behind.

Tang Shen: “……”

Turning to see Koshiro smiling at him, Tang Shen was at a loss for words. Why did this father and daughter like eavesdropping so much? He remembered his first, heartfelt exclamation upon arriving in the world of pirates, only to run into Kuina.

Such behavior was quite improper and needed to be corrected early on.

He couldn’t instruct Koshiro, but he could certainly teach his own disciple!

Tang Shen fixed Kuina with a serious look. “Kuina, it’s really not good to eavesdrop on others’ conversations. Remember to change that habit in the future.” He glanced at Koshiro as he spoke.

The message was clear: hear that? Eavesdropping is bad—make sure to change next time.

Koshiro’s mouth twitched. How long had it been since anyone dared lecture him to his face, especially with such a pointed look?

If this had been the past, he would have drawn his sword and cut him down on the spot.

But now—yes, self-restraint was important. He reminded himself of this inwardly.

Kuina, looking adorably innocent, said, “I wasn’t eavesdropping! I was listening openly! You were speaking so loudly, after all.”

Koshiro added with a fox-like grin, “Right, I heard everything fair and square too.”

Tang Shen: “……”

He was speechless. Their logic was flawless, yet he still wanted to flip the table.

The father and daughter were definitely in cahoots—one playing the naïf, the other sly as a fox, both merciless in their teasing. No wonder they were related; they had switched to full mockery mode.

Seeing Tang Shen’s defeated expression, Kuina waited cutely for an answer, while Koshiro continued to smile with the cunning air of an old fox.

But Tang Shen did not stay silent—he chose defiance without hesitation.

Such is life! There will always be trials and tribulations, but in moments like these, you must never bow your head.

Even if scorned or rejected, hold your head high and walk on.

Tang Shen raised his head proudly. Then, under the puzzled gaze of the father and daughter, he boldly raised his middle finger.

Kuina: “……”

Koshiro: “……”

They weren’t sure what this gesture meant—neck craned awkwardly, middle finger pointed skyward—but they weren’t fools. Tang Shen’s expression made it clear this was not the same as a thumbs-up.

“Forgive my free and unruly ways—perhaps you don’t understand this gesture, but I can explain it to you,” Tang Shen said solemnly, facing their curious stares. “It means I despise you both.”

With such a serious expression, anyone passing by might’ve thought they were discussing something important.

Kuina: “……”

Koshiro: “……”

She’d known from the start that her master was eccentric, self-absorbed, and a bit devious—she’d realized as much the first time they met, and again when he played tricks on Zoro. But she hadn’t expected him to be so brazenly direct.

To insult others so openly and self-righteously—even in front of his own disciple and her father—surely there was no other master like this in all the world of pirates.