Chapter 564 - Ukichi (1/2)

Akane had no idea what Zhang Heng was up to tonight.

Before he left, all he said to her was, “Going to work. Don’t leave any food for me,” before he walked out of the dojo with his sword.

Akane thought it was just the regular affair since Zhang Heng had gone out for work a couple of times before, though not often, so this time should not be any different.

The fact was, she did not have the capacity to worry about such things right now. Ever since their trip to the temple, her feelings towards Zhang Heng had changed. She did not know what it was, or perhaps she had an inkling of what it was, yet unwilling to admit it. Women’s minds were as murky as the reflection of the full moon on the water.

Other than her relations.h.i.+p with Zhang Heng, Akane had other worries too—the most important one being Koyama dojo’s survival and development. Because they needed students, she was forced to offer free training and meals to attract poor parents in sending their kids to the dojo. However, it also meant that her funds would be sorely strained.

Even though Zhang Heng rejected her offer to let him lease the yard for free, the rental alone was insufficient to feed that many mouths. Akane had been agonizing over ways to increase the dojo’s source of income but to no avail.

As she racked her brain, she noticed a stranger standing outside the dojo looking in. Pointing sternly at the bokuto on his chest, she barked, “Who sent you here?!”

“Huh?!” the frightened stranger stumbled backward.

“Is this Koyama dojo?”

“Can’t you see read what’s written on the plaque above the door?” Akane did not let her guard down.

“I… I saw it. It’s just that I didn’t expect it to be so… direct,” said the stranger. “Have you come to be beaten up?!” Akane almost shouted. How dare this s.h.i.+fty-looking b.u.g.g.e.r criticize the dojo! “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” The stranger quickly apologized. “I know that Koyama doesn’t like chasing fame and fortune. This is just the right place… To tell you the truth, I actually came here to be an apprentice.”

“Huh?” Akane withdrew her bokuto and looked at the stranger with suspicion. “Why have you come to Koyama dojo to be an apprentice?”

The stranger was surprised by the question and Akane’s skepticism.

“Because… I want to be the best samurai in the world?” answered the stranger cautiously.