657 Shigure Tendo is an unskilled thinker (1/2)

Shigure Tendo was unskilled at thinking.

He wasn't as smart as others in the same age group. To be rather blunt, his intelligence was somewhat low. Ever since he was young, he was considered a bit of an idiot.

It would have been fine if he had only been average at Spiritual Abilities despite being the direct descendant of one of the seven major Yin Yang Master families, the Tendo family. The bad part was that the most basic spells that other children of the same age could learn so quickly would always take him more than ten times the amount of time to barely manage to learn.

It was obvious that such a child like Shigure Tendo wouldn't be well thought of.

What made things even worse was the fact that Shigure had a genius older brother—Raizen Tendo.

Raizen was amazingly talented, to the point where high expectations were placed upon Shigure from birth. Yet Shigure turned out to be an idiot, making everyone greatly disappointed.

The huge difference between the brothers increased the Tendo Family's condescension towards Shigure. He was always looked down upon by everyone.

Raizen had an arrogant attitude due to his spoiled upbringing with everyone treasuring his talent. He viewed his idiotic younger brother as burden, and even humilitation. Shigure's father also felt that he had lost face because of such a stupid son and rarely treated Shigure kindly.

Shigure, who wasn't too intelligent, wasn't very sensitive towards others' condescension and ill will. But, not sensitive didn't mean that he didn't sense these emotions at all.

Shigure only remained silent towards all the negative attitudes and words sent his way. He also tolerated his older brother and father's nasty words for him without any reaction.

Shigure would only cry in front of the only person who treated him kindly—his mother.

His mother continuously consoled him, encouraged him, and gave him advice. She told him not to hate his older brother, father, and other family members.

Shigure did his best to listen to his mother's words. He continuously tolerated his treatment and suppressed his hatred. Even if he was called ”low ability” to his face, or people spat saliva on his face, he would only silently wipe away the saliva and remain polite.

Not only that, he continued to work hard, work hard, and work even harder at cultivation… He felt that even if his growth was far slower than others, as long as he slowly reached the state where he could be considered excellent, he would finally obtain recognition.

Yet… his mother left the Tendo Family.

She was finally unable to withstand things in the Tendo Family. She had a heated argument with her husband and left the Tendo Family.

”I'm sorry for leaving you behind by yourself…” Before she left, she continuously apologized to Shigure with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Yet, he truly felt so uncomfortable inside. He felt so bad, far worse than the long years of insults and condescension sent his way.

Yet, in front of his crying mother, Shigure forced his emotions down and absolutely didn't allow himself to cry.

After that, he never cried again—not a single tear.

From then onwards, Shigure completely withdrew into his own shell. He suppressed all his emotions and didn't show anyone any emotion apart from iciness.

Days and months passed just like this. Many years passed, yet he calmly observed the passing of the seasons in such a cold and emotionless state. Eventually, he faintly began to sense a wondrous realm.

This was a realm that was completely indescribable… at least by Shigure's intelligence level. He could only silently feel it.

One day, he suddenly entered a mystical state, feeling as if he had transformed into the void where everything had stopped yet was still moving… He faintly came into contact with a type of mystical power.

Shigure was deeply attracted by this mystical power and attempted to attract it into his own body, yet he had been unable to succeed.

Until, one day, news arrived that his mother was gravely ill. His father gave him permission to go and visit her.

This became the turning point of Shigure Tendo's life.

His mother's family name just happened to be Yanagi.

On that day, he entered the doors of one of the three major samurai families, the Yanagi Family home which had given birth to the greatest number of Sword Saints!

”Milord Shigure, it's almost time.”

Shigure opened his eyes and stopped reminiscing on the past when he heard a gentle voice.

A beautiful girl with dark purple hair and light golden eyes was smiling at him.

She wore a light-colored dress and had slightly curly hair. Her eyes were half-open and there was a small mole next to her pink lips. Her smiling expression was extremely gentle, and she gave off an aura of being an obedient and beautiful girl.

This beautiful girl's name was Keimi Umetani. She was a Yin Yang Master from the Umetani Family, which was subordinate to the Yanagi samurai family.

Just like how the major Yin Yang Master Tendo Family had subordinate samurai families, the major samurai Yanagi Family also had Yin Yang Master subordinate families. The Umetani Family was one such Yin Yang Master family subordinate to the Yanagis.

Keimi was one of the most highly skilled Yin Yang Masters of her age in the Umetani Family. Ryuugou Yanagi, the family leader of the Yanagi Family, personally arranged to have her become Shigure's partner in the Bloodwine Ritual tournament.