"...Father. Upon careful reflection—I believe a significant portion of today’s defeat is rooted in mindset."

"If our fighting spirit and mindset hadn’t been shaken by our prolonged difficulty in breaking through Shiwei Hall’s defense, today’s outcome could have been very different."

"Hmm." Chiba Dingji gently nodded, "Shigetarou, since you’ve realized this, it shows that you already have a clear understanding of today’s match."

Chiba Dingji’s lips slightly curled into a faint smile.

"The reason I agreed to the Yudashima Tenman Temple’s Divine Master to let Little Chiba Sword Dojo hold the ’Red and White Battle’ during the ’Plum Blossom Festival’ was simply to accommodate an old friend’s wish to have the public enjoy the festival, boosting morale."

"After all, I have been friends with the Yudashima Tenman Temple’s Divine Master for many years, and he has helped me countless times before. I can’t bear to disregard his request."

"It’s beyond my expectations that today’s match would yield so many pleasant surprises."

"For me, today’s defeat was indeed beneficial, allowing us to deeply realize how terrifying underestimating the enemy can be."

Chiba Dingji’s tone gradually turned serious.

"Today, too many in our Little Chiba Sword Dojo took to the match with the mindset of certainly winning."

"Because they underestimated the enemy, when discovering the opponent was far stronger than imagined, they panicked, and their full strength was suddenly reduced to only sixty or seventy percent."

"All martial arts are thus—courage is far more important than strength."

"If filled with courage, unafraid of death and danger, there is a chance to defeat an opponent far superior in strength."

"That’s why the Sakamoto Jigen Style that ’never teaches defense and evasion, only teaches reckless attack’ is so fearsome."

"Today’s defeat reminded me: from now on, I must put more effort into correcting certain mindsets within the dojo."

At this point, Chiba Dingji paused.

"Speaking of which—Shigetarou, has Sazanoko’s mood improved a bit now?"

"Sazanoko went to take a bath." Chiba Shigetarou replied, "Her mood... seems not improved. Before she went to bathe, she still had a somber face."

"I see..." Chiba Dingji smiled wryly, "Sazanoko is so strong-willed; losing in front of so many spectators today... she must be feeling quite upset now."

"Shigetarou, remember to pay extra attention to your sister later on, and guide her if necessary."

"...Father." At that moment, Chiba Shigetarou seemed to recall something, his expression slightly changing, "Speaking of Sazanoko... Father, there’s something I want to tell you."

"Oh? What is it?"

"Father." Chiba Shigetarou lifted his head, asking Chiba Dingji with a somewhat urgent look, "What do you think about Mr. Tachibana?"

Chiba Dingji’s expression froze.

Then, he slightly narrowed his eyes, giving his son a meaningful look.

"...Shigetarou, could it be... you’re considering Mr. Tachibana as one of your ’potential brother-in-law candidates’?"

"Father, don’t you think Mr. Tachibana and Sazanoko are quite a match?"

"Firstly, Mr. Tachibana’s age is suitable. He is 18 this year, while Sazanoko is 22, only a four-year difference, not too much."

"Secondly, Mr. Tachibana’s appearance and height are impressive. He is a head taller than Sazanoko and has good features, very upright. The only shortcoming is that he hasn’t adopted a clean Tsukushi haircut, but that’s minor."

"Then, Mr. Tachibana works at the Edo North Guard Station’s Fixed Town Patrol, holding a respectable job, ensuring no hardships for Sazanoko if she marries him."

"Lastly—and most importantly—Mr. Tachibana is a rare and outstanding talent."

"Father, from the recent rumors about Mr. Tachibana and what I witnessed today, you must also see that Mr. Tachibana is indeed a courageous and wise, brilliant person."

"He possesses bravery avoiding no danger, coupled with strategic intelligence."

"Yong previously told me: Mr. Tachibana’s swordsmanship talent doesn’t fall short of Toshisuke’s." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"I didn’t believe it at first, until witnessing Mr. Tachibana’s swordsmanship today, I confirmed: Yong indeed didn’t lie, Mr. Tachibana’s swordsmanship talent is indeed extraordinary."

"Father, can you believe it? Mr. Tachibana, a little over a month ago, barely knew swordsmanship. In just over a month, his skills have reached an astounding level; truly a remarkable genius!"

Chiba Shigetarou grew more excited as he spoke.

"Mr. Tachibana, such a talent, is bound for a shining future!"

"Upon first meeting Mr. Tachibana, I asked him; currently, he is neither married nor engaged."

"Father, such an outstanding talent, who’s rare even in thousands... no, tens of thousands, deserves close attention!"

"Shigetarou, calm down." Watching his increasingly excited son, Chiba Dingji couldn’t help but smile wryly, "Look at your anxious demeanor... are you really eager to marry your sister off soon?"