Chapter 36 – Yukinoshita Akira: And Yet, I Refuse!
From the edge of the dojo, Busujima Saeko stood frozen in place, her breath caught in her throat as she watched the duel unfold.
Her father—Busujima Munemasa, one of the most revered Sword Saints in the country—had been effortlessly defeated by the young man standing before her.
No... Saeko was certain.
Yukinoshita Akira hadn't even gone all out.
The feeling was unmistakable. Just like when he defeated her days ago, Akira's rhythm, demeanor, and confidence remained unchanged. Calm, composed—unshaken.
It was like watching a still lake, utterly untouched by wind or ripples.
It reminded her of the legendary tale from Demon Slayer—of Yoriichi Tsugikuni. At the mere age of seven, he had briefly watched his older brother practice swordsmanship in the courtyard.
Later, as a joke, one of the family retainers handed him a bamboo sword and casually taught him how to hold it and swing it once or twice.
But when asked to try sparring, Yoriichi unleashed four blinding strikes—one to the neck, one to the chest, then the abdomen, and finally, the legs. All in a single fluid motion.
The retainer was instantly knocked unconscious.
Despite never receiving formal training, Yoriichi had displayed power far beyond what any ordinary person could reach, no matter how many lifetimes they trained.
This world was harsh.
Talent often defied logic.
And now, Yukinoshita Akira, having only inherited 1.4% of Yoriichi's legacy template, was already powerful enough to overpower Busujima Munemasa.
His innate ability, awakened Demon Slayer Mark, and battle-hardened instincts—sharpened from countless days of fighting in the Orario Dungeon—had forged him into a warrior far beyond the realm of normal human standards.
After all, Akira had risked his life every day, facing monster after monster in that ever-changing labyrinth, pushing his limits to grow under the gods' Blessing system.
Two months of non-stop battles—enough to slay more enemies than one could count.
In contrast, Munemasa, while undoubtedly a Sword Saint, had fought within the boundaries of human society. His experience came from formal duels and martial contests.
Yes, his strikes carried killing intent—evidence that he had once taken lives—but they could not compare.
Akira had slain beings far beyond humanity.
He had killed gods.
"That was… a magnificent lesson," Munemasa muttered with a deep breath. "To think… the peak I've chased my entire life was so easily surpassed by a teenager."
"And you accept it with such grace," Akira replied. "That's what impresses me the most."
He meant every word. There was something genuinely admirable about this man.
It's often said that only the young can take defeat with ease—because they have little to lose.
But the older you get, the more weight you carry. Status. Family. Honor. All of it becomes a chain that strangles your pride.
And the human heart… is easily swayed by fear and shame—especially in a world as cruel and judgmental as this.
"Are you trying to flatter me, boy?" Munemasa laughed heartily. "Well, it's working!"
A truly respectable man.
Because if today's events were ever made public, the Busujima family's centuries-old reputation would crumble.
To be defeated by a seventeen-year-old—people would call it disgraceful.
In this world, the loser is mocked. No one cares about the circumstances. Only the result.
"Shin Akira, was it?" Munemasa asked.
"Yes."
"After watching you fight, I'm convinced. You're a once-in-a-millennium genius of the sword. I'm not even worthy to be your teacher. But—if you're willing to marry my daughter Saeko, I'll offer the entire Busujima household as dowry. Even if she won't be your primary wife."
"Father!" Saeko cried out instinctively, flustered.
In this world, polygamy was still allowed for men—but there were clear distinctions.
The primary wife held the rights to inheritance and household authority. A secondary wife, while legally recognized, held far less status.
Akira didn't fully understand the cultural roots of this system. Rumor had it that it came from some ancient empire overseas.
In modern society, though, this practice had mostly faded, except among noble families or the upper class. Ordinary people usually had only one spouse.
Munemasa waved his hand, signaling his daughter to stay silent.
He truly wanted Akira to join their family.
If this boy could defeat him at just seventeen… then it was only a matter of time before he would stand at the top of all swordsmen in the nation.
Perhaps… even surpass the legends.
The rank of Great Sword Saint—the pinnacle of swordsmanship—had vanished from this world centuries ago, becoming little more than a myth.
But if the Busujima family could make Akira their son-in-law, unimaginable glory awaited.
And if Saeko could bear his child… that child would be the symbol of a new era for their lineage.
"So," Munemasa asked with anticipation, "what's your decision?"
Akira met his eyes calmly and spoke.
"Tempting as your offer is… I refuse."
"…Refuse?" Munemasa blinked. "Why?"
Saeko looked just as shocked. Her face turned pale, her eyes flickering with disbelief.
Akira's strength surpassed anything she'd ever known. So his rejection… made sense.
After all, if he announced he was searching for a bride, countless noble families would line up to offer their daughters.
"To me… a woman is not a bargaining chip," Akira said firmly. "Forgive me, Head of the Busujima Family. I may have disappointed you."
A moment of silence hung in the air.
Then, Munemasa burst into laughter.
"Good! Very good! To reject an offer like that without hesitation… that only proves my judgment was right! You're not ordinary at all. Fine, then. I'll leave this matter between the two of you. Hahaha!"
With a carefree laugh, Munemasa exited the dojo, leaving the two alone.
Saeko stood quietly, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. Her eyes sparkled, her lips parted ever so slightly in awe and admiration.
Akira's words had stirred something in her heart.
But for Akira, it was all calculated.
He had said those things purely to increase her affection points.
Because in the end, he wasn't going to stay in this world forever.
Once the Yoriichi legacy template was fully absorbed, his next journey—into the next world—would begin.
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