The players celebrated and cheered, hugging each other, rejoicing that they had survived, rejoicing that they were one step closer to escaping SAO.
At the same time, the players expressed sincere admiration for the sword technique Yusei had displayed at the end. Even Kiriko and Asuna were full of admiration.
But only Kaguya was still lost in thought, seemingly unable to come back to reality.
Others might not know or have seen clearly what happened, but Kaguya knew.
Under Koken's tutelage, one could say she understood the history, techniques, and secret arts of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu even better than Yusei.
Although she understood it, understanding did not equate to proficiency. It was merely theoretical knowledge.
But that wasn't the important point. The key was...
The core of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, or rather, the prerequisite for using the ultimate technique Kuzuryusen, was Shinsoku!
The most crucial aspect of Kuzuryusen is mastering Shinsoku.
'Only by achieving mastery of Shinsoku can one use Kuzuryusen.'
'But... this is the game world. Can Shinsoku be used in the game world?'
Kaguya was confused... Her confusion lay precisely here.
Shinsoku isn't simply about physical speed… it involves the cultivation of both body and mind, achieving a state where they are unified.
Simply put, one must also nurture one's mental state and awareness.
'SAO is just a bunch of data, so can we really train our mind through data? That's impossible, right? But... if it's impossible, then where did that guy's Kuzuryusen come from?'
Just as Kaguya was puzzling over this, a hand gently rested on her head.
She looked up to see Yusei smiling at her.
"You can do it too. All you need is a change in your state of mind."
"I'm considered a pretty lazy person, but I have one understanding of the way of the sword."
"It's not that only a 'sword' can be a sword. Everything can be a sword."
Kaguya was stunned for a moment, then began to mull over Yusei's words.
"Everything can be a sword?"
"Right." Yusei nodded, "We are just data now. But who decreed that we, as data, cannot use sword techniques?"
"In reality, a wooden stick, a tree branch, even a finger… if your level of understanding is high enough, you can still use them as a sword."
"Similarly, it's the same in SAO. If you view the sword in your hand as just a bunch of data, you will never grasp the true essence of the way of the sword."
Yusei grasped the hand Kaguya used to hold her sword. Under her flustered and blushing gaze, he forcefully swung it forward.
The air in front was cut, producing a sound as a gust of wind blew.
"See? Isn't this precisely a sword?" Yusei released Kaguya's hand. She seemed lost in thought, pondering his words.
'That's all I can do for her. I can't teach her more, this is the essence of what I've comprehended. If she still doesn't understand, then she must be foolish.'
Even though they were currently in a game, and everything was just data-
One must not forget that all ways of the sword, or at least the high-level ones Yusei knew of, involved mental training.
Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, in particular, combines body and mind.
In SAO, where only consciousness exists, the tempering of one's mental state is immense. If Kaguya comprehends this, then mastering Kuzuryusen is inevitable.
As for the 'data sword' in the game... it is still a sword. This wasn't something Yusei made up, as it was the true key to unlocking the final secret of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu.
The final hurdle is having the confidence that, no matter the circumstances, one can execute Kuzuryusen.
This is the key to whether one can ultimately master Kuzuryusen.
Yusei picked up the spoils from the Last Attack on the Boss… the Coat of Midnight.
Shiro shook her little head: "Don't want. Too ugly."
Yusei smiled, then looked at Kaguya: "Kaguya-sama? Do you want it? It's a pretty good piece of equipment."
Kaguya had already withdrawn from her thoughts, planning to slowly digest Yusei's words.
Hearing his question now, she looked at the cloak in his hand, hesitation in her eyes. But then she shook her head.
"I don't want it."
Then, she turned to look at her friend, Asuna.
"Asuna, do you want it?"
"Huh?" Asuna was taken aback, not expecting Kaguya to ask her.
But she had just spent all her Col on equipment upgrades a couple of days ago and now didn't have a single Col to her name. If she wanted it, she didn't want to take advantage of others for free.
"I don't want it either..."
Yusei awkwardly held the Coat of Midnight, 'I've asked everyone in the group, and no one wants it?'
The surrounding players were also envious and jealous.
'Isn't this girl too willful? That's a rare item dropped by the Boss's Last Attack!'
Yusei glanced at them, his gaze finally settling on Kiriko, who seemed somewhat interested in the Coat of Midnight but was also hesitant. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, 'As expected, it's meant for you, Kiriko.'
Immediately, he couldn't be bothered to ask further and directly tossed the Coat of Midnight to Kiriko.
All ownership permissions were transferred to her at that moment.
Kiriko was stunned by Yusei's sudden action. Although she could tell the cloak Yusei was wearing was definitely not ordinary, this was a rare item dropped by the Boss!
'Was it really okay to just throw it to someone else like it was trash?'
But she really wanted this coat. In the end, she could only bow slightly, her face slightly red, and thank him:
"Um... Thank you. But I'll pay you for this Coat of Midnight."
"Alright, just pay whatever price you think is fair."
Yusei didn't insist on giving it to her for free. That would make him look like a fool, wouldn't it?
If Kiriko wanted to give him money, then let her.
Without checking the Col Kiriko transferred to him, Yusei looked at Kaguya.
"Still want to party up with me?"
Kaguya glanced at Asuna, then looked back at Yusei, and finally shook her head.
"No, I already have a teammate."
"Alright then. Just send me a message if anything comes up."
Yusei didn't press the issue. He had already guessed Kaguya would refuse.
Despite her usual 'keep away' expression, she deeply cared about her friends' feelings once she made them.
Just now, she was worried that if she accepted Yusei's invitation, it would leave Asuna alone.
After instructing Kaguya to be careful about a few things, Yusei turned his attention to Asuna, the girl whose face was still hidden beneath her cloak.
"Asuna, right? Thank you for looking after Kaguya-sama. Although her temper isn't the best, I hope you'll bear with her."
"Please continue to take care of her from now on."