Shinkage-ryu originated in the Heian period and is a force that cannot be ignored in Japan's Jujutsu World.
As early as the Nara period, more than thirteen hundred years ago, Tengen had already established multiple barriers across Japan to protect the land.
This led to a continuous increase in Cursed Energy incidents.
It also ushered in the Heian period, the golden age of Jujutsu.
Due to population and other factors, the number of Jujutsu Sorcerers and Cursed Spirits in the Heian era was far lower than in modern times.
However, the Curse Users and Cursed Spirits of that era were far more vicious and malicious than those of today.
For example, cult sacrifices and human sacrifices to create Cursed Spirits, which are rare now, were common in the Heian period.
Moreover, the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna, an absolute powerhouse who could dominate an entire era, also appeared during that time.
In such a dark and cruel golden age of Jujutsu, a Genius Jujutsu Sorcerer named Ashiya Sadatsuna exhausted himself trying to protect his disciples from malicious Curse Users and Cursed Spirits.
Inspired by Hollow Wicker Basket, a Domain countermeasure, he designed and refined the New Shadow Style, Simple Domain.
New Shadow Style, Simple Domain has many advantages.
First, it has a low barrier to entry.
Even a Grade 3 Jujutsu Sorcerer can master it, making it a true Domain for the weak.
Second, its upper limit is extremely high.
Even when facing Ryomen Sukuna, this technique can still be effective.
Finally, it is a foundational technique that can be modified according to individual needs.
Even without modification, it can be applied in various ways.
For example, Kokichi Muta loaded it as a projectile into Mechamaru, turning it into a weapon against the Immortal Master.
Kusakabe Atsuya, the representative of modern Shinkage-ryu, further strengthened and refined this technique.
He not only expanded the range of Simple Domain but also developed a method that automatically intercepts any object invading the Domain.
It is precisely because of this easy-to-learn yet high-ceiling technique that Shinkage-ryu has endured for a thousand years without decline.
Today, Eichi came to the Shinkage-ryu headquarters, both out of curiosity and with the intention of recruitment.
What a hassle. Why do I have to fight?
Inside the dojo of Shinkage-ryu headquarters, Kusakabe Atsuya, the representative of this generation, looked helplessly at the man standing opposite him.
Sasaki Kojiro.
A Special Grade imaginary Heroic Spirit. The legendary Sword Saint Sasaki Kojiro.
Yesterday, Kusakabe received a notice asking him to return to headquarters.
He originally thought it was to meet a newly initiated junior, so he did not pay much attention.
But this morning, he was suddenly informed that an important guest would be visiting, and as a licensed successor of Shinkage-ryu, he would represent the school in battle.
Shinkage-ryu, with its thousand-year history, divides disciples into ten stages, from the lowest Omote to the highest Menkyo Kaiden.
Menkyo Kaiden is the highest rank.
It signifies complete mastery of the school's techniques and passing all examinations.
Kusakabe received the Menkyo Kaiden rating from Ashiya Ayaka, the current Leader.
Menkyo is a license, a permit in Japan that allows one to perform actions otherwise restricted.
Menkyo Kaiden is typically awarded only to the most outstanding disciples, and rarely at a young age.
This alone proves Kusakabe's talent.
"Shinkage-ryu, Kusakabe Atsuya. Pleased to meet you."
He sighed inwardly and bowed to Sasaki Kojiro.
"Ganryu, Sasaki Kojiro."
After speaking, the two assumed their stances.
Although Kusakabe often appears timid and afraid of trouble, he is in fact serious, responsible, and highly dependable.
In Shibuya, he stepped forward to shield his junior Miwa Kasumi from Kenjaku's Maximum Technique, Uzumaki.
In the battle against Sukuna, he desperately covered Higuruma Hiromi.
And when he was the last one standing, even while internally denying the choice of fighting Sukuna, he still stood before him.
Compared to Kusakabe's serious iai stance, Sasaki Kojiro appeared calm.
His five-foot-long clothes-drying pole rested casually on his shoulder.
Is this the Sword Saint?
Kusakabe focused intently.
The more he observed, the more shocked he became.
Sasaki simply stood there, yet no opening could be found.
He began simulating scenarios in his mind.
First attack. I dash forward with an iai slash aimed at his waist.
His long blade leaves his shoulder faster than my strike, severing half my head.
Second attack. I block the first slash, but the second deflects my weapon, leaving my guard open, and my heart is pierced.
Third attack.
Damn it. He is just standing there casually. Why does it feel like any angle of attack ends with me being counter-killed?
A bead of cold sweat slid down Kusakabe's forehead.
But he could not retreat.
This was Shinkage-ryu headquarters.
Behind him stood Ashiya Ayaka and the disciples, watching.
Although part of the reason he became the representative of this generation was that the Ashiya family had not produced a male with Jujutsu talent, Ayaka had treated him sincerely.
I have no choice but to go all out.
He resolved himself, Cursed Energy flowing into his katana.
"How rude."
Before he could move, Sasaki spoke.
"I heard that modern Shinkage-ryu focuses on defensive counterattacks. Yet I was waiting for you to strike first. As a guest, that is discourteous."
He lowered the blade from his shoulder, its tip angled toward the ground, and began stepping forward.
"Thank you for your consideration."
Kusakabe forced a smile.
This was precisely what he hoped for.
In his perception, Sasaki was like a divine blade that would strike him no matter how he defended.
If Sasaki stepped into his Domain and triggered the automatic interception of New Shadow Style, Simple Domain, the battle would be far easier.
He had confidence in the Shinkage-ryu he had honed.
Even if the opponent was the legendary Sword Saint, within his own specialized Domain, he could still fight.
(To be continued.)
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