However, being arrogant has its benefits… at least it proves he has the strength to back it up.
Even though it wasn't dark yet, the evening banquet was still held.
Through observation, Yusei also discovered the kimono-clad old man's unusual nature.
On one hand, there was the exaggerated Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, and on the other hand, there was the sheer size and antiquity of this traditional Japanese mansion.
The evening banquet was being prepared and would take some time.
While waiting, the kimono-clad old man didn't immediately start teaching Yusei. Instead, he discussed the theoretical aspects of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu.
"What do you think that move from earlier was like?" The kimono-clad old man looked seriously at Yusei.
"Fast speed, sharp movements."
Yusei didn't hesitate and said it directly. This was indeed his feeling.
"Correct. Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu... or other swordsmanship styles, all revolve around one word… Speed!"
As if reminiscing about something, the kimono-clad old man sighed.
"I still remember, it took me ten years to learn Shinsoku. I don't know how long you'll need, but at least three years, I'd say." (T/N: Shinsoku means Godspeed.)
"You learned that kid's moves earlier... although those were garbage techniques, it shows how good your talent is."
"So, I think it should only take you three years to learn the essence of our Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu: Shinsoku."
The kimono-clad old man sipped his tea leisurely and also mentioned that he had decided to take Yusei as a disciple because he saw his learning ability.
When Yusei heard the timeframe of three years, his head immediately spun, 'I couldn't wait that long.'
'And with my Sharingan, no matter how difficult it was, how long could it really take?'
The kimono-clad old man glanced at Yusei, saw his nonchalance, and couldn't help but laugh.
"You think three years is me looking down on you? On the contrary, I already consider you a genius. Didn't you hear me say it took me ten years to master it?"
"I didn't think that. I just think you might need to raise your estimation of my genius level a bit more."
Genius… this word had nothing to do with Yusei in his previous life, but this life was different.
"Oh?" The kimono-clad old man raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that Yusei was even more arrogant than he was.
"Alright then, let's test it. I'll teach you a simple move, and we'll see if you can learn it."
The kimono-clad old man stood up, picked up the wooden sword nearby, and quickly assumed a ready stance.
Whoosh!
The tall, robust old man burst forth with unimaginable speed. The straw dummy on one side of the dojo was instantly shredded to pieces by the wooden sword in the old man's hand.
That's right, not slashed a chopped, but shredded!
Under the insight of Yusei's Sharingan, he saw the true essence of this move: using rapid thrusts to completely pierce the opponent like a sieve.
So, to an outsider, the straw dummy appeared torn and ragged, as if it had been shredded.
The kimono-clad old man handed the wooden sword to Yusei, chuckling.
"Your turn."
Yusei didn't stand on ceremony either. He took the wooden sword and used the Sharingan's ability to perfectly replicate the old man's movements from moments before.
Whoosh!
Yusei charged straight at a straw dummy, the wooden sword in his hand perfectly replicating the old man's swordsmanship.
Countless thrusts all attacked the straw dummy. Within seconds, the original straw dummy was shattered by the sharp attacks.
'He actually did it!'
The kimono-clad old man's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He looked at the panting Yusei, somewhat unable to process it.
He smacked his lips, still somewhat dazed, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"This... you did it just like that?"
Yusei panted heavily and nodded. Right now, he deeply regretted pushing himself to try it.
While watching, he hadn't felt it, but after using the Sharingan to copy it, he felt the massive drain on his stamina.
The old man's move wasn't just about the form… it contained the power of Shinsoku.
The reason Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu is strong lies precisely in that speed.
Speed = Power, which is why Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu's destructive power is so great.
Yusei hadn't mastered Shinsoku.
Forcing the replication of that swiftness with the Sharingan consumed a huge amount of his physical energy.
Now, Yusei could feel it: his whole body was incredibly sore, the result of his muscles exploding into action in an instant.
When it came down to it, Yusei understood this was the result of him not knowing the Shinsoku technique and his poor physical condition.