My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 349 - 137: Edo’s Strongest Great Sword Hero! [5000]

When he was 21, Chiba Eijiro challenged the renowned swordsman Muta Takachun. Muta Takachun was so frightened that he feigned illness and stayed home, not daring to face Chiba Eijiro, and vented in his diary, cursing Chiba Eijiro as someone suddenly causing him trouble.

...

The Skill of Chiba, Chiba’s Little Tengu, the current strongest Great Sword Hero in Edo... No matter what kind of praises are given to this extraordinarily talented prodigy, people never feel it’s an exaggeration.

Frankly speaking, Chiba Eijiro is like a "genius crusher."

Those so-called "Sword Masters," and names given such as "this ghost" or "that dragon," who are considered the chosen ones by others, either suffer a crushing defeat or a tragic loss when facing Chiba Eijiro.

Chiba Eijiro’s strength is incredibly strong—yet that is not the most terrifying aspect.

The most terrifying aspect is that he is still extremely young!

"Powerful Saito" Saito Mijuro is already 62 years old this year, "Position of Peach Well" Taojing Chunzang is 35 years old this year.

And Chiba Eijiro... is only 27 years old this year!

He has yet to reach the peak period of a man’s physique and energy.

To have achieved such dazzling accomplishments at such a young age, many are saying—barring any accidents, Chiba Eijiro’s future achievements will surely surpass those of his father, Chiba Shusaku, who founded the Beichen One-Sword Style, and his uncle, Chiba Dingji!

Nakamura Tsuki and others were chattering excitedly, discussing in low voices about this legendary swordsman who had already made a name for himself at a young age.

They thought their voices were low enough not to be heard by the Chiba siblings, but in fact, their words reached every single part into the ears of Chiba Shigetarou and Sazanoko.

The Chiba siblings didn’t really say much about it—they had long been accustomed to the excitement and thrill of outsiders upon hearing the name "Chiba Eijiro."

After giving Nakamura Tsuki and them a helpless glance, the siblings continued their conversation:

"Brother, Father just specifically instructed me: After you buy the medicine, let you go to our family’s warehouse and find those jugs of wine that Father has treasured."

"Tonight, we’re going to Xuanwu Hall to host a grand welcoming feast for Second Cousin with Aunty, Third Cousin, Fourth Cousin, and the others."

"Father’s treasured jugs of wine?" Chiba Shigetarou scratched his head, "I don’t even know where in the warehouse those treasured jugs have been placed... Alright, I’ll look for them later, and at the same time, I’ll organize our family’s messy warehouse."

"You just said Brother Rong is chatting with Father in Father’s bedroom, right? I’ll go see if they’ve finished talking, Sazanoko, you continue your lessons, I won’t disturb you anymore."

With that said, Chiba Shigetarou bid farewell to Sazanoko and quickly stepped out of Field C alone.

Ascending the stairs to the top floor, he quickened his steps towards Chiba Dingji’s bedroom—suddenly, he happened to see the sliding paper door of Chiba Dingji’s bedroom being opened, and the figures of an old and a young man emerged from inside.

Looking at these two figures, Chiba Shigetarou paused, then excitedly waved and shouted:

"Brother Eijiro! Long time no see!"

This old and young figure pair were just Chiba Dingji and Chiba Eijiro, who had just finished their discussion inside!

Moments earlier, with his waist acting up again, Chiba Dingji wasn’t in the mood to chat any longer with Chiba Eijiro.

At Chiba Dingji’s request, Chiba Eijiro assisted the struggling Chiba Dingji who found it difficult even to walk due to pain, as they ventured outside for fresh air—thus, the two happened to run into Chiba Shigetarou who was looking for them.

Upon hearing Chiba Shigetarou’s voice, Chiba Eijiro was initially stunned, then looked towards Chiba Shigetarou, who was briskly striding towards them, with a face full of pleasant surprise:

"Shigetarou! Long time no see! You seem to have gotten a lot sturdier."

"Hahaha!" Chiba Shigetarou let out a few hearty laughs, "It’s true, we brothers haven’t seen each other for quite a long while!"

Chiba Shusaku has four sons: Chiba Kisuichiro, Chiba Eijiro, Chiba Daisaburo, and Chiba Domon Shiro.

Of them, the eldest, Chiba Kisuichiro, has long passed away, and among the remaining three cousins... Chiba Eijiro has the best relationship with their Little Chiba Sword Dojo; and holds the deepest affection for Chiba Shigetarou, Sazanoko, and the others.

After reaching Chiba Eijiro, Chiba Shigetarou gave this long-lost cousin a big bear hug.

"Tonight, we must have a good drink together!" Chiba Shigetarou grinned broadly, excitedly smiling, "I’ve stored up many topics to talk to you about!"

"Alright." Chiba Eijiro returned a gentle smile, "Tonight we won’t leave until we’re drunk."

...

...

That day, at night—

Edo, Little Ishikawa Hoshimura Willow Street, Shiwei Hall, Dojo—

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Within the vast dojo, the sound of air being sliced by a bamboo sword echoed continuously.

Aoto stood alone at the very center of the dojo, gripping a bamboo sword, practicing Suburi with meticulous precision.

He continued to practice until he was drenched with sweat and the muscles in his arms started to ache before he finally stopped his sword, lifting his right arm’s sleeve to wipe the sweat from his face.

——Tomorrow is the Marquis of Aizu’s Swordsmanship competition...

Aoto thought to himself quietly, while silently taking a deep breath.

After a brief rest, Aoto picked up his bamboo sword once again, preparing to continue practicing.

But at this moment, Zhouzhu’s voice unexpectedly sounded from beside Aoto:

"...Not bad, to be able to carry out each Suburi movement so standardly."

"Master...?" Aoto’s eyes widened in surprise, looking at Zhouzhu who abruptly appeared at the dojo’s entrance, "Why are you here?"

Zhouzhu, with hands folded behind him, smiled and said, "I came on a whim, just wanted to see your practice."

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The author was very busy in real life yesterday, so today’s update is a bit less (crying jaguar.jpg). I’ll try to write more tomorrow.