At the entrance to the private room, Luke glanced up at the rosewood sign on the wall.
It read "Hanama" in elegant clerical script.
In Japanese culture, "Hanama" comes from the classic Tale of Genji, evoking the image of being surrounded by a field of flowers.
The room's interior was exquisitely decorated, every detail steeped in traditional Japanese culture.
Stepping into the "Hanama" room, the first thing that caught Luke's eye was a round Japanese-style table in the center, covered with a soft pink-and-white tablecloth adorned with delicate peony patterns. Around it were several wide, cushioned tatami seats for guests.
The walls were hung with stunning Japanese paintings depicting iconic natural scenes—Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, and maple leaves.
These artworks gave the room an authentic Japanese vibe.
In one corner stood an antique Japanese koto, adorned with small bells that chimed pleasantly whenever a breeze passed through, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The lighting was thoughtfully designed, with soft yellow tones that made the space feel warm and inviting.
Under the glow, every corner of the room stood out, looking even more refined and striking.
In the "Hanama" room, guests could not only enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine but also experience traditional performances like Japanese dance, music, and theater, immersing them fully in the culture.
Seeing this neon-lit, Japan-inspired room, Luke couldn't help but think to himself: They're not gonna pull some weird "nyotaimori" sushi-on-a-person thing, are they?
No way, right?
This was a government-level reception, after all. They wouldn't go that far.
So, no beautiful women in sight—just a few middle-aged men in traditional samurai attire, sitting solemnly in the room, waiting for their arrival.
Luke was a bit thrown off by the unfamiliar faces. Who are these guys? Why are they here?
Takeshi Nakamura quickly stepped forward to explain. "We've heard that Mr. Luke is a master of martial arts, having taken down Tyson in a single move in New York. And your skill in kendo is equally profound.
These gentlemen are national treasures in our country, swordmasters with the title of kenhao. They wanted to meet you in person, witness your prowess, and perhaps seek a bit of your guidance."
What's this? They want to spar with me to put me in my place?
Or maybe they're trying to use my martial arts rep to boost Japanese kendo's prestige?
But Nakamura's attitude didn't seem like that. And even if he had that in mind, Mr. Eisen wouldn't let it slide.
Maybe they just brought some Japanese martial arts folks to keep things friendly?
"This is Saiji Uesugi, heir to the Shinkage-ryu school."
"This is Nobutomo Tsukahara, heir to the Shinto-ryu school."
"And this is Koumitsu Yagyu, heir to the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu school."
Nakamura introduced the three swordmasters to Luke one by one.
"These three masters are giants in Japanese kendo, with national-level influence. They're living symbols of our kendo culture."
Worried Luke might not grasp their significance, Nakamura was about to elaborate further.
But Luke cut in first. "I know a bit about Japanese swordsmanship schools."
The Shinkage-ryu was founded by Nobutsuna Kamiizumi, a sword saint from Japan's Warring States period. Not only was he a master swordsman, but he also trained famous disciples like Toyogoro Hikita and Muneyoshi Yagyu.
The Shinto-ryu, an offshoot of the Katori Shinto-ryu, was founded by another Warring States sword saint, Bokuden Tsukahara.
Tsukahara's record was legendary—37 battles, over 20 named samurai kills, and more than 200 enemies felled, with only six arrow wounds and no sword injuries to show for it.
The Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, a branch of Shinkage-ryu, was founded by Muneyoshi Yagyu, famed for his "no-sword" technique of disarming opponents barehanded.
Even without a master-level crash course in Japanese, Luke knew a thing or two about these swordsmanship schools.
Thanks to Japan's global export of ninja and kendo culture through anime and games, plenty of foreigners had picked up some knowledge without even trying.
But seriously, instead of some cute girls in kimonos, they brought these middle-aged swordmasters? What's the deal?
Seeing Luke's confusion, Nakamura explained, "Luke-san, do you remember the segment in your GG promotional video where you fight a Japanese samurai?"
Luke nodded. As an action star, of course his promo would showcase his skills.
But what did that have to do with these three swordmasters?
"The three masters want to appear in your video, playing the samurai you defeat," Nakamura said.
Huh?!
Luke was even more confused now.
Couldn't they just hire some extras for that?
If the footage didn't look good, Luke's studio had action actors who could play the samurai roles.
But to bring in Japan's top kendo masters to be his supporting cast?
That's basically using the prestige of Japanese kendo to prop him up.
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Sure, it'd be a huge boost for Luke's fame in Japan and help him break into the market. But for these swordmasters, it's all loss, no gain.
Didn't they care about their reputation?
They were okay with this?
The Japanese respect strength, and bowing to someone stronger comes naturally to them—but only if there's something in it for them.
Noticing Luke's puzzled look, Saiji Uesugi, the leader of the three, spoke up. "Luke-san, I know you're wondering why. Please hear me out."
"I'm all ears."
"We've seen the swordsmanship you displayed in the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon promo, as well as the incredibly refined techniques in the Hero trailer."
Luke nodded. Hero was already in pre-release hype, and though it hadn't hit theaters yet, some of his standout swordplay clips had been released as promo material. It wasn't surprising these swordmasters had seen and taken note of them.
"In learning, age doesn't matter—skill does. We unanimously agree that your swordsmanship surpasses ours by far," Uesugi said bluntly.
He wasn't wrong. Luke's master-level swordsmanship, from a pure skill perspective, undoubtedly outclassed these so-called Japanese swordmasters.
But that still didn't justify them offering him such a huge favor.
There had to be something they wanted from him.
Sure enough, Uesugi continued, "Our swordsmanship schools haven't progressed in years, and the three of us have hit a wall in our skills. To break through, we need guidance from someone exceptional."
Luke raised an eyebrow. "You want me to teach you swordsmanship?"
Hearing this, Nakamura couldn't help but ask, "Luke-san is incredible, but can he really mentor you three masters?"
Uesugi nodded firmly. "From what I've observed, Luke-san's swordsmanship has reached the level of a sword saint."