Chapter 181: Chapter 96: Aoto, Charge the Formation! Acquired Talent: Strong Muscle [9400 Words]

"...Uncle."

"Oh." Chiba Dingji raised his head and looked at the young man standing slightly behind him, "Fourth nephew, you’ve come."

The young man standing slightly behind Chiba Dingji was Chiba Domon Shiro.

At this moment, Chiba Domon Shiro had tightly pressed lips and a difficult expression.

Chiba Dingji gestured for Chiba Domon Shiro to sit beside him with a motion of his hand.

Toward his uncle, Chiba Domon Shiro never dared to show any disrespect. As soon as Chiba Dingji raised his hand to signal, he hurriedly bent his knees, respectfully kneeling beside Chiba Dingji.

"Fourth nephew, how do you feel? Do you recognize your mistake?"

"...Yes." Chiba Domon Shiro lowered his head even further, "I have recognized my mistake."

The reason Chiba Dingji arrived late was due to an underlying situation—in a private setting, he had been severely reprimanding Chiba Domon Shiro, causing a delay.

Earlier in the morning, after his advice to Chiba Shigetarou and Sazanoko failed and only resulted in the awkward public apology to Aoto, Chiba Domon Shiro remained stubborn—he went to find Chiba Dingji to demand a direct conversation, suggesting they abandon the wasteful games with Shiwei Hall.

However, before Chiba Domon Shiro found Chiba Dingji, Chiba Shigetarou and Sazanoko had already returned to the side of their father.

The siblings informed Chiba Dingji about all the trouble Chiba Domon Shiro caused.

When Chiba Domon Shiro finally found Chiba Dingji, he hadn’t even had the chance to speak before facing harsh criticism from Chiba Dingji.

"Fourth nephew, we have already agreed with Yudashima Tenman Temple to hold the ’Red and White Battle’ together with Shiwei Hall during the ’Plum Blossom Festival.’ How can we go back on our word and change our stance last minute?"

"Your actions are reckless, and you lack thoughtfulness. Regardless, you should never argue publicly with your cousins! How do you think outsiders view our Chiba family because of your behavior?"

"Moreover, to say publicly that ’Shiwei Hall is a third-class Sword Dojo’ is incredibly rude!"

And so, Chiba Dingji continued to reprimand Chiba Domon Shiro, only leaving him with the line "Reflect on your mistakes" before turning away just before the competition commenced.

"Do you truly understand your wrongs?" Chiba Dingji stared directly at the deeply bowed head of Chiba Domon Shiro.

Chiba Domon Shiro silently nodded his head.

After glancing at him a few more times, Chiba Dingji sighed softly.

"Alright, raise your head. The competition is about to begin; watch the match carefully with your uncle."

"...Uncle, allow me to speak bluntly." Chiba Domon Shiro gradually raised his head, "This match, where the winner is clear, and the victory surely belongs to the Little Chiba Sword Dojo, holds no interest."

"Fourth nephew, how many times must I tell you? Whether dealing with people or matters, you must never adopt such a dismissive attitude... Alas, I’m tired today. I’ll educate you thoroughly another time!"

...

...

From the other end of the "VIP Seats"—

Saito was not a member of Shiwei Hall, so he could only watch the competition from the audience seats.

At this moment, he sat like a statue, expressionless and motionless in his seat.

Because of his stillness except for occasional blinks, Saito drew much attention, with people around him casting startled and confused looks, likening him to a reincarnated sloth.

Zhouzhu and Abi were sitting right next to Saito.

Abi, who had opposed the swordsmanship competition against the Little Chiba Sword Dojo during the "Plum Blossom Festival", continued to wear a stern expression.

Meanwhile, Zhouzhu engaged enthusiastically in conversation with Kiryu beside him.

"Zhouzhu, there are quite a few new faces at Shiwei Hall that I’ve rarely or never seen before," Kiryu said with a slight smile, glancing toward the "Main Array" of Shiwei Hall not far away.

"Ah, while there are new faces, many old ones have left..." Zhouzhu replied with a bitter grin, "Many either suddenly stopped learning swordsmanship or were recruited by other sword dojos."

"Perhaps I truly lack the talent for managing a Sword Dojo." Zhouzhu sighed deeply. "I’ve grown old; my vitality and body are faltering. I’ve placed my hopes of expanding Shiwei Hall and promoting the Natural Reasoning Heart Stream on Yong."

"I only hope Yong can reach heights I never attained."

With that, Zhouzhu picked up a porcelain bottle nearby.

"Mr. Kiryu, I brought some hot tea brewed by my wife herself. Would you and Miss Kinoshita like to have some?"

Kiryu laughed heartily: "Tea brewed by Abi? Well, I must savor it thoroughly. Tea crafted by Abi’s hands is a rare treat one must never miss."

Abi’s stern face softened considerably at the seemingly offhand praise from Kiryu.

"Young Master," Kiryu looked at Mukiwa sitting properly beside him, "Would you like some tea?"

Mukiwa nodded obediently.

Seeing Mukiwa nod, Zhouzhu took out two cups he brought himself, pouring a cup for both Kiryu and Mukiwa.