"His surname is Shimotsuki !"
"Is he related to Lord Kanki?"
"No, he shouldn't be Lord Kanki's child. I've heard there's a young samurai from the Shimotsuki family in the Ringo region with incredible strength!"
Below the arena, the crowd erupted in discussion. Every gaze directed at Ren carried a unique sense of curiosity and reverence.
In Wano Country , the surname Shimotsuki held extraordinary significance, much like the name Kozuki. Both represented noble and revered lineages, descended from shoguns, daimyos, and aristocrats.
These families were not just symbols of power but were also admired for their benevolence and kindness toward the common people throughout history.
"It's a samurai's surname. I, too, think my name is excellent,"Takeda replied with a faint smile.
The referee, standing to the side, studied both men carefully, especially Takeda, before raising his hand and declaring, "Are you both ready?"
"Let the duel begin!"
In the arena, the two opponents stood face-to-face, their focus intensifying.
Yajuro could sense a subtle yet immense pressure emanating from Takeda, making it clear that this young man was no ordinary opponent.
"Superior swordsmanship comes only from countless battles of refinement and experience."
"True strength is forged through a hundred trials," Yajuro thought, gripping his long katana tightly.
"Let's begin here!" Takeda murmured, taking a step forward.
In an instant, his feet slammed against the ground, creating a burst of wind as his figure disappeared.
"So fast!"
Yajuro's pupils constricted as he instinctively raised his katana to block.
"Clang!"
The collision sent a tremendous force surging through Yajuro's blade, causing him to slide backward across the arena floor.
"Screech!"
His heels left a deep mark until he finally stopped at the edge of the platform, teeth clenched.
"What terrifying strength!" Yajuro thought, shocked.
The crowd fell into a stunned silence, some covering their mouths in disbelief.
"To overpower Yajuro's strength… and with just one arm!"
"This young master from the Shimotsuki family is incredibly strong!"
Among the spectators, many could recognize the extraordinary power displayed in this brief exchange.
Takeda adjusted his long katana, a glimmer of realization in his eyes.
"Along with inheriting swordsmanship, I seem to have also inherited part of Ryuma's physical abilities."
"The technique to generate power, instinctive reactions, and precise blade movements—this is fascinating!"
"Just how strong have I become now?"
Takeda stepped forward, leaning slightly toward Yajuro.
"Take this seriously," he said calmly.
Yajuro grinned, his expression growing more savage. Retracting his blade, his sharp gaze locked onto Takeda.
He then charged forward at full speed, brandishing his katana.
In an instant, their swords clashed again.
"Clang!"
The impact sent a shockwave through Yajuro, lifting his blade and even his body three inches off the ground under Takeda's sheer force.
"Ha!"
With a loud roar, Yajuro forced himself back to the ground.
A strange aura now surrounded his blade, making it seem sharper and more unyielding.
"Swish!"
His katana sliced toward Takeda's chest, but he stepped back, deflecting the attack with the tip of his blade.
"Clang!"
The mysterious energy enveloping Yajuro's blade caused it to vibrate violently, nearly forcing it out of his hands.
Takeda followed up with a swift upward slash.
Yajuro leaned back, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the blade wind tore a long slit in his robe. He retreated, breathing heavily.
Fast, precise, ruthless.
The young man before him was exerting tremendous pressure, and Yajuro couldn't fathom how such terrifying strength resided in such a slender body.
"A monster!"
The word surfaced in Yajuro's mind, and his demeanor grew increasingly serious.
He shifted into a peculiar stance, holding his katana horizontally in front of him.
"A sword technique?" Takeda remarked with a slight smile.
From their brief exchange, Takeda had already concluded that his current swordsmanship and physical strength far surpassed his former self.
Ryuma's inheritance had transformed him fundamentally.
As the battle continued, his strength would only grow until it equaled Ryuma's legendary prowess.
A single person, protecting an entire nation.
Takeda sheathed his blade and leaned forward slightly, placing his right hand on the hilt. His expression turned solemn.
"Yajuro, let the next strike decide the outcome."
Yajuro's pupils contracted, sweat forming on his brow.
He could almost sense a ferocious dragon roaring and coiling behind Takeda, ready to pounce.
"Roar!"
With a deafening shout, Yajuro dashed forward.
His katana gleamed coldly as it sliced through the air like a ravenous ghost.
In the blink of an eye, he was upon Takeda.
At that moment, Takeda's eyes widened as he drew his blade in one swift motion.
The katana flashed like a soaring dragon, unleashing overwhelming power and majesty.
Iai Slash!
"Clang!"
The sound of metal echoed as Yajuro froze in place. His katana shattered into fragments.
A powerful gust of wind swept across the arena, drawing gasps and screams from the spectators.
"You've lost," Takeda said calmly.
Yajuro's hand trembled as he collapsed with a heavy thud, blood pooling beneath him.