Chapter 34: A Smoke to Soften the Throat
Ring ring ring…
The alarm clock rang beside the bed. Tatsuro slowly opened his eyes, turned it off, and sat up, gazing at the faint morning light seeping through the curtains with a look of confusion.
That familiar alarm tone… but this wasn't his dorm room.
Slap!
A sharp slap hit his face. Tatsuro grumbled, "Get it together. I got so absorbed in training I forgot—I'm not at the Jujutsu High anymore. I'm on a protection mission."
Snapping himself awake, he picked up his backpack from the corner. It didn't just contain his cursed gear, but also clothes.
He got dressed, washed up simply, and left his room. It was around 5:40 AM—the perfect time for a morning run. More importantly, it was a great chance to observe and maybe pick up a thing or two from the other guards. Strong or not, everyone had their own understanding of martial arts.
This was how he ensured he grew stronger by the minute. No opportunity wasted.
After all, facing a strong cursed spirit, this was his only strategy. The reward of 100 permanent Cursed Energy points was a game changer—enough for another Fireball Jutsu or to maintain his Sharingan longer.
And the 15 points? That was non-negotiable. Skipping this mission would be a sin against heaven and earth!
Pushing open the mansion's door, he greeted the two guards on duty.
"Morning."
The two men turned around and immediately stood at attention.
"Good morning, Vice Captain Tatsuro!"
"Good. By the way, where's Captain Itou?"
"He's on patrol. Are you looking to spar with him?"
The other added excitedly, "Vice Captain, you trained with him last night, right? Could you maybe teach us something?"
Tatsuro raised an eyebrow. "You want to learn?"
"Absolutely!"
They were desperate to pick up even a shred of Itou's techniques. After all, rankings were based purely on strength. If they learned anything, they might even have a chance to challenge Murata Shoichi. Once Tatsuro left, the vice-captain spot would be open again.
"Not happening."
Tatsuro waved them off and walked away, leaving them crestfallen.
What a joke. Want to learn something? Beat him in a duel first. If you can win, go ahead and learn whatever you like—who's gonna stop you?
Strength is everything. That's an eternal rule. Whether in cultivation or a modern city, only the strong command respect.
He wasn't some saint. If even their captain wasn't teaching them, why should he, a temporary vice-captain?
He hadn't taken many steps before spotting Itou Shuichi on patrol.
"Morning, Master Itou!"
"Up already? Are your eyes really fine?"
Itou was surprised. Normally, serious injuries like eye strain took a toll on stamina, making people sleep like the dead. Yet this kid was up before dawn? Was his body made of iron?
"Sorry to make you worry. It was just a small thing," Tatsuro said modestly. "I'll be at the training grounds at eight tonight sharp. Please don't hold back during sparring."
"Hmph, don't get cocky just because you learned fast. I've still got plenty of moves to take you down. You've got a long way to go."
Despite his words, Itou looked genuinely proud. He'd thought it over during the night—if the kid called him Master, he had to treat him like a disciple.
With such a monstrous disciple, how could he not be proud?
He thought back: if he'd learned as fast at that age, forget pride—he would've dared to pee on his own master's head!
"Got it. I'm heading over to train with the gate guards now. See you later."
Tatsuro gave a quick bow and jogged off.
He'd promised to train with the two gate guards yesterday, and he wasn't one to go back on his word. Besides, their martial styles might still offer something useful to observe. Two birds, one stone.
Outside at the front gate…
"You think Vice Captain Tatsuro's really gonna train with us?"
"No idea. But I doubt he'd go back on his word. If he teaches us even a little, we'll skyrocket!"
"Easy for you to say. He's the vice-captain, earned with pure strength. He doesn't owe us anything."
Goinroku snorted, side-eyeing Ryusui Ruobing like he was delusional.
Ryusui shrugged, unfazed. "Hey, maybe he's got a kind heart. Just because you gave up dreaming doesn't mean I have to."
"You looking to get smacked?"
"Try me! We're both gate guards, same level. I'm not scared of you."
"…"
Goinroku was briefly speechless. True, they were basically equals. After a long silence, all he could manage was:
"Sh*t."
A familiar voice called from behind them.
"What are you two bickering about?"
They turned and saw Tatsuro walking up. Instantly, their expressions shifted to respectful smiles.
"It's nothing, sir. Just some friendly banter."
Their eyes, however, gleamed with anticipation.
Tatsuro knew exactly what they wanted.
He cleared his throat. "I won't teach you techniques—but I'll spar with you. I'll offer some advice during the fight."
He's actually serious! We're gonna cry from joy!
Goinroku quickly said, "No need to teach anything, sir. Just some pointers would be more than enough."
Ryusui pulled a sealed pack of cigarettes from his pocket. "Want a smoke, Vice Captain?"
"You offering that cheap brand again?" Goinroku said, pulling out his own pack. "Mine's expensive. It soothes the throat."
"…"
Tatsuro stared at them, expression deadpan.
Cigarettes… that soothe the throat? What the hell were they smoking—cough drops?
He declined politely, "No thanks, I don't smoke. Since the streets are still empty, let's warm up right here."
"Yes, sir!"
Both guards stripped off their jackets, revealing short sleeves underneath. Their physiques weren't as intense as the in-house security elites, but they were clearly stronger than average.
"Alright then. One-on-one or…?"
"Please, what kind of question is that? We're both coming at you."
Tatsuro grinned and beckoned them with a cocky wave.
"Come at me."
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