"That's right." Asaki clasped his hands together, "Although I do have this plan, I don't have enough money..."
"The day before yesterday, a friend of mine whom I hadn't seen for a long time came to see me. I entertained my friend warmly and spent a lot of money, so...my money is now a little bit short..."
"Miss Asaki..." Ogata smiled helplessly, "You must learn more about how to manage your money reasonably in the future..."
"Okay, I will lend you money. But I don't have much savings."
Although Ogata's life was very poor, he still had some money in terms of savings.
Asaki and Afu, mother and daughter, are already very important acquaintances and friends to Ogata.
Not to mention anything else - Ogata usually eats and drinks so much for nothing. At this time, Asaki is borrowing money from Ogata. If Ogata hesitates and takes out the money unwillingly, then it will be really bad.
It doesn't make sense.
So for such a small matter as borrowing money, Ogata nodded and agreed without any hesitation.
Ogata reported his current deposit amount and asked Asaki if it was enough.
Asaki also nodded quickly, saying that's enough.
Then he made an agreement with Ogata - tomorrow night, Ogata will bring his deposit.
During the daytime the day after tomorrow, Asaki took the money from the two of them and went to the Wufu store to buy the Wufu in person that Ah Fu might like.
…
…
at the same time--
Many sword masters' homes and sword schools are integrated.
In other words - many sword halls are divided into two parts.
Part of it is open to all disciples and is a place for disciples to practice swordsmanship and rest.
The other part is the residence of the owner himself.
But Hanbei is not like that.
His home and his sword studio are separate.
Hanbei's home was built some distance away from the Sakakihara Kenkan.
As the owner of a hotel, Hanbei is naturally not short of money for living expenses.
But his home is surprisingly simple.
It's just an ordinary room, not too big or too small.
At this time, Hanbei was staying at home, holding an oil lamp with a serious face.
Slowly walked towards his room.
After opening the door and entering the room, Hanbei walked straight towards the small cabinet placed at the foot of the room.
This dark red wooden cabinet is quite old.
When Hanbei pulled out the bottom bucket, there was a "squeaking" sound and a little dust was raised at the same time.
After pulling out the cabinet bucket at the bottom, the scene inside the cabinet was revealed - the string-bound books filled the cabinet bucket.
"The Analects of Confucius", "The Book of Songs", "Shangshu", "Spring and Autumn", "The Great Learning"...these thread-bound books are basically the Four Books and Five Classics.
Hanbei took all the Four Books and Five Classics away from the cabinet.
Revealing a book placed at the bottom.
This book is also a thread-bound book.
However... Judging from the yellowing cover and pages, this thread-bound book is already quite old.
Hanbei placed the oil lamp he had been holding in his left hand on the ground at his feet.
With the help of the dim light, Hanbei took out the old book from the cabinet with both hands.
Those cautious movements seemed to be holding something fragile.
After taking the book out of the cabinet, the dim, swaying light of the oil lamp fell on the cover of the book.
It illuminates the five Chinese characters on the cover of this book - Wuwo Erdao Ryu.
Looking at the five Chinese characters on the cover, Hanbei's face showed a hint of reminiscence.
He raised his right thumb and stroked the old, yellowed cover.
It was as if he was remembering something.
After an unknown amount of time, Hanbei, who had been silent since just now, finally whispered to himself:
"With Ogata's talent...does he have the ability to understand this set of swordsmanship..."
Hanbei's tone sounded like he was asking someone else.
It's like asking yourself.
…
…
Hirose Domain, the home of Toyama Renichiro——
Mr. and Mrs. Toyama, who had just finished dinner, were now sitting on the tatami, each doing their own thing.
Ah Shi sat on his knees and practiced calligraphy.
Japanese calligraphy is actually calligraphy.
Practicing calligraphy is one of the few joys Ashi has in his daily life.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shan was refilling his two sabers with oil.
The katana is a very delicate weapon.
They need to be carefully cared for and maintained every day.
If you neglect to maintain your katana sword, the blade of the katana sword will quickly develop rust spots.
"Ami." Toyama said suddenly while continuing to oil his sword, "The competition in the Sakakibara Sword Hall is over. Guess who is the chief of the Sakakibara Sword Hall this time.
.”
Ash stopped the brush in his hand.
After thinking for a moment, he hesitated and said:
"Is it Ogata Issei?"
"Yes, it's Ogata Issei. Just as I guessed - the person who won the chief position this time is indeed him."
"...That means...the person who will face off against Danna in the God Sacrifice Competition will be Ogata Issei?"
"That's right."
Yuan Shan had just finished oiling his knife at this time.
Yuan Shan looked at the blade of his knife.
"I really hope that the day when the God Sacrifice Competition begins soon... This time, I will definitely defeat Ogata Issei beautifully!"
Compared with Toyama who was full of fighting spirit, after learning that Toyama's opponent in this year's God Sacrifice Competition turned out to be Ogata Isei, Ami's face showed an obvious look of disappointment.
"... Dan Na." Ah Yong said to Yuan Shan in a cautious tone, "You... are really sure to defeat that Xu..."
Before Ash finished speaking, she quickly shut her mouth.
Because Yuanshan is looking at her with displeasure.
In order not to be slapped by Yuan Shan like last time, Ash quickly shut up and did not dare to say any more.
"snort!"
After a heavy "hum", Yuanshan said in a deep voice:
"Don't ask me stupid questions like this again."
"I already said it last time - if I were to compete with Ogata again, I would definitely win!"
"If you dare to ask me such boring questions again in the future, I won't be polite."
After saying that, Toyama put the oiled sword back into the scabbard, then pulled out his wakizashi and began to oil his wakizashi.
Although Toyama confidently said "I will never lose", Ashi still had a very worried look on his face.
Ash lowered his head slightly, as if thinking about something.
After a while, Ash seemed to have figured out the answer to some question, and the "dark clouds" that had accumulated on his face gradually dispersed.
…
…
2 days later——
Hirose Domain, Ryūya——
At this time, Liuwu is temporarily closed.
Ogata, Asaki, and Afu gathered in the house.
"How, how is it...?" Afu asked Asaki and Ogata in front of him in a timid and excited tone, with a cautious attitude, "Does it look good...
…?”
“It’s so beautiful!”
As soon as Ah Fu finished speaking, Asaki was busy praising him.
At this time, Ah Fu was wearing a cherry blossom-colored Wu uniform.
This cherry blossom-colored Wufu was a gift purchased for Afu with the help of Ogata and Asaki.