Duel

It appears that I will be seeing Kokushibo tonight.

My attention was instantly drawn to Kokushibo's stoic, silent demeanor, which appeared before me. I knew he was going to be here tonight, but I didn't want it to be true.

As I observed Kokushibo's stoic and silent demeanor, a chill ran down my spine. It was as if his presence had a numbing effect, making it difficult to sense any emotions emanating from him. Despite my apprehension, I knew that facing him tonight was inevitable, and a sense of unease washed over me. It seemed that my instincts were failing me, unable to detect his presence as I once could. Perhaps it was a sign that I needed to sharpen my skills and regain my former sharpness.

As Kokushibo stood before me, I immediately knew he was a master swordsman. His aura exuded an unparalleled level of mastery and power, causing a chill to run down my spine. It was clear that facing him would be no ordinary battle; I would need to summon every ounce of my strength and focus to stand a chance against this formidable opponent. But now that I am just a 4 year old who looks like a 6-year-old kid, there is no way he is going to fight me, right?

His eyes bore into mine, filled with a mix of curiosity and amusement. It was as if he could see through my facade, recognizing the potential hidden beneath my innocent appearance. Despite my doubts, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of determination ignite within me—a determination to fight him and give it my all. My appearance meant nothing in the face of true skill and unwavering resolve. It's as if he sensed my determination and gave me a wooden sword to test my mettle.

With a smirk, he said, "Let's see if you can handle yourself, kid." As I gripped the wooden sword, I knew that this was my chance to show him that I was not to be underestimated. I swung the wooden sword with all my might, channeling my inner strength and focusing on every move. The sound of wood clashing against wood filled the air as I parried his attacks, matching his every move with precision and agility. The smirk on his face slowly faded, replaced by a look of surprise and admiration.

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Kokushibo's POV

As I watched the kid's skillful movements, I couldn't help but be impressed. The determination in his eyes and the fluidity of his swordplay revealed a hidden talent that surpassed my initial expectations.

With each clash, I could sense the growing potential within this little boy, and his determination and talent reminded me of my younger twin brother, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and I began to wonder if I had finally found a worthy disciple to pass on my teachings to.

As the duel continued, he effortlessly dodged my attacks and countered with precision, showing a level of mastery that was rare to come by. It was as if he had been training for years, honing his skills in secret. I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of molding him into a formidable swordsman, one who could carry on my legacy and surpass even my own abilities.

He passed out later from exhaustion, collapsing onto the ground with a victorious smile on his face. As I watched him catch his breath, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. It was clear that he possessed the potential to become the greatest swordsman of our time, and I knew that my decision to take him under my wing was the right one. With his determination and natural talent, there was no doubt in my mind that he would exceed all expectations and make me proud as his mentor.

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Manjiro's POV

As I lay there, gasping for air, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Kokushibo. He had pushed me to my limits and beyond, but it was all worth it. It has been so long since I had this thrill. The intense battle had reignited a fire within me, reminding me of the exhilaration I had once felt as a young swordsman. In this world, I suppose I must outperform my foes and reclaim my title as the greatest swordsman of our time.