Sanjun's words surprised Hoshiyomi, who immediately opened the system—and nearly shed tears of joy.
His EXP for Advanced Swordsmanship finally read: 1 / 500 (Skill Draws Available: 1)
Wuhu—take off!
System message: "Advanced Swordsmanship—just as the name implies, this is a step above intermediate sword skill. With this level of swordsmanship, as long as you don't go overboard, you have enough ability to protect yourself."
Well, that's exactly what the system sounds like. No flowery praise.
Hoshiyomi sincerely thanked Sanjun.
Though Uncle Sanjun's primary concern was his daughter, he had been a dedicated mentor throughout this time.
Without his guidance, Hoshiyomi might've spent countless months traveling before reaching Advanced Swordsmanship.
Even more important: Sanjun awakened him to the need to study system-granted techniques deeply.
From now on, every time he trained after reflecting on a skill, he'd earn EXP many times more efficiently.
Once his chakra recovered and he could use Shadow Clone again, three Hoshiyomis all reflecting on techniques simultaneously? His progress would skyrocket.
After promising to do everything he could to help Asuka recover, Sanjun cheered:
"To celebrate your breakthrough—and in honor of your efforts—tonight we must have a family feast!"
After training, Hoshiyomi returned to his room and took a quick shower. Then he opened the Sword Heart System—for the much-anticipated skill draw.
Seeing "1" available, he proceeded without hesitation.
The familiar light screen swirled, and under his steely gaze, the words flashed:
Congratulations, Host has obtained skill: Heavenly Soaring Dragon Flash (Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki).
Skill Description:
The ultimate sword technique of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū. A godspeed draw-and-slash capable of cutting anything, with an unavoidable two-stage combo.
The first slash generates an air current that locks onto the opponent; the second, launched with centrifugal force, delivers the ultimatest cut.
Hoshiyomi couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. Indeed, luck still favored him. Back when he went by the name Himura Kenshin, he always felt incomplete without this move.
Now, with Heavenly Soaring Dragon Flash in hand—and his speed? If he could recreate the Nine‑Headed Dragon Flash, Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū's ninja branch in the shinobi world would finally be official!
...
That night, a small celebratory feast was held at the General's mansion—with warmth, laughter, and good food.
Even Asuka, caught up in the joy, ate more than usual.
Early the next morning, Hoshiyomi, Asuka, and Sanjun prepared to depart toward Konoha.
Sanjun stood at the gates until they disappeared from view, wiping tears silently—as though cheering them onward.
May they soon bring good news.
To accommodate Asuka's stamina, Hoshiyomi didn't rush. In about a week they returned to Hammer Town, where they stayed for a night—Hoshiyomi informed the strict old man of the dojo about winning the Kenjutsu Tournament.
The old master beamed with pride—their reunion's warmth lit his aged face.
But he was most curious about Wind Severing Slash. After some hesitation he asked:
"Hoshiyomi, does this mean your skill has truly…?"
Hoshiyomi nodded: he'd broken into Advanced Swordsmanship, and once he returned to Konoha to break the curse, he'd be able to use Wind Severing Slash fully—and would show the old man later.
The old master laughed and rattled off tales from his youth.
After spending a day at the dojo, the trio resumed their journey—reaching the Land of Fire in just under two weeks.
At first, Asuka had seemed reserved.
It was her first time leaving the Land of Iron's capital, and though she and Hoshiyomi had been under the same roof for two months in the mansion, they hadn't spent much time alone together—and she missed her father.
So she remained quiet at first, shadowing them silently.
But the banter between Hoshiyomi and Lobo—like a comedic duo—wore down her defenses.
She gradually smiled more, revealing the warm-hearted girl beneath her aloof exterior.
Despite her quiet nature, she had a kind heart, always offering help at just the right moment—like a clear spring nourishing everything without a sound.
And as someone who rarely traveled, she had never tired of discovering new delights at every corner.
Whenever Hoshiyomi or Lobo watched her marvel at trinkets, she'd freeze—then fake-coolly walk away, which only earned her more curious glances.
Within a month, they became close friends—chatting about anything and everything.
"We've arrived. Up ahead is Konoha's gate."
On a nearby hillslope, Hoshiyomi pointed at Konoha's entrance.
Asuka gazed at it and couldn't help but smile—after nearly a month, they had finally made it.
She wondered if Tsunade, that young medical-nin—three years her junior—could cure her.
During the journey, Hoshiyomi had already told her about Tsunade.
She, too, looked forward to meeting the genius healer.
They kept a steady pace and reached Konoha's gate soon enough.
Hoshiyomi put on his forehead protector and presented his credentials, entering the village smoothly.
Asuka also showed off Sanjun's letter—no one opposed them.
Their very first stop was the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi—the Third Hokage, whom Hoshiyomi hadn't seen in five years—looked different. His whiskers had fully grown, and at 35 he seemed even more mature—truly living up to the legend.
Seeing Hoshiyomi, Hiruzen was surprised. It was only when he saw Lobo beside him that he confirmed his thoughts. He immediately walked out from behind his desk, somewhat surprised,
"You returned so soon? Could it be that you've already trained the Eight Inner Gates to that level?"
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin