Laid-Back Life in Tokyo: I Really Didn't Want to Work Hard
Chapter 351 - 265: The Technique "Slash Down

Chapter 351: Chapter 265: The Technique "Slash Down

In the kitchen, Hanamaru Hanabi was becoming more proficient at making pastries under the guidance of Sakihara Shion.

The difficulty of making wagashi is immense because it requires shaping on a tiny spherical surface, using small tools like triangle sticks, bamboo pieces, needles, and round spoons to press, squeeze, cut, and trim—it’s very intricate.

In addition to deftly using the tools, a certain level of artistic skill is also needed.

An acute sense of shape and form is necessary.

Every stroke and line should be delineated beautifully, fluidly, and vividly.

Therefore, Hanamaru Hanabi patiently watched as Miss Sakihara executed each step to bring out the splendid floral colors, then tried repeatedly with dumplings made from yam paste to perfect her technique.

The sticky dumplings needed to be vigorously sieved five to six times, and Hanamaru Hanabi had just finished straining them, leaving her arms achy and weak.

Even though the kitchen was adjacent to a lush courtyard outside where the sun could not reach, beads of sweat still formed on her forehead.

"Hanabi, why not take a break for now and learn later?" Miss Sakihara put down the tool in her hand.

"It’s okay."

"Really?"

"Really." Hanamaru Hanabi nodded.

"Alright then." Seeing her determination to continue learning, Sakihara Shion resumed teaching her how to create the characteristic seven-color gradient of "Night Fireworks".

Making this kind of delicate pastry requires immense patience.

Miss Sakihara’s technique of using a bamboo slice to create floral edges was incredibly meticulous.

"Hanabi, may I ask you something?"

"Hmm." Hanamaru Hanabi’s eyes remained fixed on the pastry.

"Is Sakura’s swordsmanship really that extraordinary? He hasn’t visited here much since your father brought him after returning."

"Yeah, Sakura-kun said he’s quite skilled, and father often trained with him in the past."

Sakihara Shion knew that Hanabi’s father was Hanamaru Hiroki. Her own father had always been dissatisfied after losing to that Jigen Style swordsman.

If both her father and Hanamaru Hiroki appreciated him, his skill must be quite impressive...

But why hasn’t he made a move or come here to train?

Sakihara Shion quickly dismissed this thought and refocused on the "Night Fireworks" wagashi.

"Come, Hanabi, pay attention to this cutting technique."

"Hmm, okay."

——————————————

Bushin Hall dojo.

Mid-level posture.

Uesugi Sakura recognized the stance of Tachibana Youko across the way, a textbook One-Mind One-Sword Style.

Judging by the posture, she had indeed undergone rigorous training.

However, it lacked the oppressive aura he felt when wielding a sword against his father-in-law.

Tachibana Youko stepped into the rectangular arena, holding the sword single-handedly, and looked at Uesugi Sakura, who was still in casual attire:

"You’re not wearing armor?"

"I don’t need it." Uesugi Sakura smiled, twirling the wooden sword in his right hand to test the grip.

Seeing his confidence, Tachibana Youko frowned, "We’re using wooden swords here; a single strike could hurt for at least seven days, and bruises won’t heal easily."

Protective gear is crucial in Sword Dao, as some thrust techniques carry enough force to momentarily send a well-trained person reeling backward.

He doesn’t want to wear armor; isn’t that underestimating his opponent?

This is a swordsmanship duel in front of dozens of people in the dojo!

Tachibana Youko wondered if he was doing it on purpose, as his refusal to wear armor angered many trainees behind her.

They thought he was too arrogant, showing disdain by sparring without armor.

But Uesugi Sakura truly had no such intent; he simply wanted a swift conclusion and thought wearing armor was cumbersome and uncomfortable in the heat.

The chattering, chattering.

Bin Yuehui, noticing their increasing discontent, approached Uesugi Sakura to suggest: "Uh... brother... I recommend you wear the armor, as a hit from a wooden sword to the head could cause a concussion. The previous Vice Master got injured because he didn’t wear the armor properly."

Uesugi Sakura knew his actions would invite dissatisfaction, but as a Vice Master, he needed a bit of a "face-slapping event" to showcase his capabilities.

"Well then, do you still have any kendo clothes?"

"Yes, I’ll take you there." Bin Yuehui pointed towards the changing room at the other end of the dojo.

"Alright."

Ten minutes later, Uesugi Sakura returned wearing a blue-black kendo outfit.

It was indeed heavy, and the helmet felt like it was pinching his neck, generally quite stifling.

Uesugi Sakura walked into the rectangular arena, through the helmet, seeing a burly man whose anger was barely contained even with the face shield; that Tachibana woman stood beside him:

"Are you going to switch fighters?"

"No, it’s still me."

Tachibana Youko stepped forward, barefoot on the ground, while the enraged man retreated, glaring at Uesugi Sakura.

Uesugi Sakura ignored the man, gripping the sword with his right hand, attempting to adjust to the ill-fitting kendo clothes. His voice sounded slightly muffled coming from within the helmet, "Let’s begin then."

Tachibana Youko took her helmet from a trainee, placed it on her head with both hands, and faced Uesugi Sakura, "I hope you have at least seventy percent of Senior Sister Uesugi’s capability."

Bin Yuehui, seeing that no one wanted to act as judge after the two entered the arena, reluctantly stepped forward and extended his hand:

"Take your positions!"

"Ready!"

The two raised their wooden swords and bowed to each other in the center of the arena, then returned to their positions, crouching and watching each other with swords in hand.

Bin Yuehui noticed they weren’t speaking, so he simply waved his hand down:

"Begin!"

As soon as the words were spoken,

Tachibana Youko immediately rose, holding her sword mid-level, adopting the One-Mind One-Sword Style stance.

Tip to tip, she noticed Uesugi Sakura didn’t have any intention to defend, and decisively launched a direct strike, shouting: