After the farce ended, everyone left the town.
Nobi Hiroshi inserted Hikari-Denko into his waistband, just in case.
He didn't know what kind of robbers or ruffians they might encounter on the road, so it was better to be careful to avoid being flustered when danger arrived.
"Sirs... I have a request!"
A voice suddenly appeared behind them. It was the young man Hiroshi had just saved, a few years older than them.
"My name is Shinmen Takezo."
"Please, you must accept me as your disciple. To become the greatest swordsman, I wish to learn from someone as skilled as you."
Shinmen Takezo knelt directly in front of Nobi Hiroshi, his expression very serious, not like he was joking.
"Eh, no, no, I can't be your teacher. You should find someone else!"
Nobi Hiroshi's face showed surprise, and he waved his hand, revealing an awkward smile.
How could he be highly skilled in martial arts? It was all Hikari-Denko doing the work; he was just a freeloader. How could he possibly teach martial arts to others?
He walked around Shinmen Takezo and left.
Hiroshi walked ahead, Shinmen Takezo followed behind. Hiroshi quickened his pace, and Shinmen Takezo also quickened his pace.
"I say, can you stop following us? Go find someone named Miyamoto Musashi and ask him to take you as a disciple."
"Miyamoto Musashi? I don't know that name. Where is this master from? I'd rather follow you, Master."
Shinmen Takezo was like a sticky plaster, impossible to shake off.
Facing such persistent entanglement, Nobi Hiroshi really wanted to punch him, then he sobered up.
He didn't even know Miyamoto Musashi, and he called himself a swordsman.
Just as Hiroshi was getting annoyed, a large group of villagers came running from afar.
Without a word, they knelt down on the spot.
"We just witnessed your formidable martial arts. Please, be the protector of our town."
"We beg you."
Everyone said in unison, wanting Nobi Hiroshi to stay and deal with the Horse-Face Clan.
"Nobita, you take Hikari-Denko. The task of protecting peace is up to you."
Nobi Hiroshi took off Hikari-Denko and handed it to Nobita, wanting to give the other party this opportunity to show off.
It's more comfortable to have less ability and less responsibility. They don't even pay protection fees and want to get something for nothing. He isn't from this era; he's just here for tourism.
"Eh, I can't do it, Hiroshi. You go. We'll all help you."
Hearing that he had to deal with bandits, Nobi Nobita quickly declined and hid behind Doraemon.
Gian and Xiao Fu did the same.
Tools can only give people strength, but not courage.
"Wait, we accept!"
Shinmen Takezo popped out from somewhere, standing between the few of them and answering.
"Hey, why did you agree without permission? And when did you become one of us!?"
"To see injustice and not act is cowardice."
"To help those in need, that is the way of the samurai."
Shinmen Takezo said with a serious face.
Nobi Hiroshi looked at this big clever one; he should have kicked him over just now.
"You speak well, but I am not a samurai. If you want to go, go by yourself."
He didn't want to bother with Shinmen Takezo anymore; this was completely generous at his expense.
But Gian got sick at that moment, planning to help the villagers here. Those words just now seemed to have struck his samurai heart; his idol had said the same thing.
Three people make a tiger. Hiroshi finally agreed to help them eliminate the Horse-Face Clan, definitely not because a banquet had already been set up in the town.
...
...
A lavish banquet had already been prepared in the mansion. Doraemon and the local merchants sat on two rows of seats, while Hiroshi sat on the high platform at the head of the table.
His face was slightly flushed, as if he was drunk.
Even low-alcohol wine was too much; he became dizzy after only a few sips. He was truly too weak.
"Continue the music, continue the dance..."
"A mere Horse-Face Clan, can be extinguished with a flick of a finger..."
Downing a bowl of sweet wine, Nobi Hiroshi embraced a pair of moderately attractive sisters, raising his wine glass and making bold pronouncements.
"Samurai-sama, you are so reliable, and so cute. Let's have another drink."
"Oh, Samurai-sama, how can you touch me there...?"
One woman poured wine, the other, with shy eyes and a half-exposed shoulder, lightly covered her ample bosom.
Hiroshi's heart swelled. He drank the wine, grasped the orb, which was slightly full and difficult to hold, only managing to control it seven or eight tenths, caressing and teasing.
"Damn it, that Hiroshi kid, he's too smug! I want beauties too... Bah, I want to set off immediately and eradicate those villains who are harming the village."
Looking at Nobi Hiroshi, who was basking in success on the stage, Gian, Nobita, and Xiao Fu felt different levels of envy and resentment.
Only caring about his own enjoyment and making his brothers drink swill was truly too much.
"I say, Hiroshi, when are we going to eliminate the Horse-Face Clan?"
Doraemon said unhurriedly, eating snacks. He already had Mi-chan, so of course, he wouldn't be jealous of other things.
"No rush. I'll go outside and rest for a bit, then we'll depart immediately."
"Excuse me, ladies, I must take my leave."
Withdrawing his hand, Nobi Hiroshi stood up and went into the courtyard, intending to get some fresh air to clear his hazy head.
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
The sound of sword-waving seemed to come from the bamboo forest, like a divine eagle soaring, appearing in an astonishing manner.
Somewhat curious, Hiroshi followed the sound and saw Shinmen Takezo, bare-armed, practicing his sword strokes.
His eyes were exceptionally sharp, as if there was only the sword.
His movements were natural and seamless, clearly showing years of accumulated experience and practice, even Hiroshi, an outsider, could tell.
"Clang!"
Hikari-Denko was unsheathed, and Hiroshi's right hand still carried a trace of fragrant scent.
Facing the sudden flash of light, Shinmen Takezo quickly reacted, blocking with his sword.
"Clang!" — The swords quickly clashed, emitting a crisp sound.
Musashi hastily retreated two steps, then quickly stabilized his stance.
"Master!"
"Bah, who's your master? I already said I don't know martial arts."
Nobi Hiroshi sighed, looking at the simple or stupid Shinmen Takezo.
Judging by his facial expression, this child clearly didn't believe what he said. I really wasn't being humble!
"Alright, I'll ask you a question."
"You clearly know how to use a sword, so why didn't you dare to act that day?"
Leaning against a green bamboo, Hiroshi rubbed his flushed face, his head still a little dizzy.
"Why...?"
"Because I didn't know if I could beat him. What if I lost...?"
Shinmen Takezo lowered his head, his tone dejected. In this era, if you lost, you could die, and he dared not gamble.
"Ah, you've never competed with anyone before?"
"Mm..."
"My heavens, no wonder."
Having the strength but not daring to use it, this was a big problem. Hiroshi looked at the troubled boy in front of him, scratching his ear.
What he needed wasn't a good teacher, but the courage to face his enemies head-on.
Courage... How should he cultivate it...?