I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

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"Alright, that's ten to zero."

As Itto Arataki once again slammed into the ground headfirst, Kiichi Hougen called out the score with amusement.

Itto shook his woozy head and climbed to his feet.

"Ugh… Lost again. Lost again."

"Oh? So you're just going to admit defeat outright?" Kiichi Hougen teased with a smirk. "I figured you'd try something like, 'I slipped,' or 'I ate something bad,' to save face."

"Hah? Losing is losing. I'm not dumb enough to deny the obvious. I just wasn't as good this time—what's there to deny?"

"And where exactly did you get the nerve to say you're not dumb?"

Sara stepped closer, glaring down at Itto with eyes brimming with malice.

Naturally, Itto didn't notice her hostility at all.

"Whoa! You're really strong, Little Tengu!" Itto flashed a big, toothy grin and gave her a thumbs-up. "I've never met someone my age who could go toe-to-toe with me! And let me tell you, even older guys can't keep up with me."

"What do you mean, 'toe-to-toe'? It was clearly my win!"

Sara crossed her arms, her tone laced with irritation.

Itto had initially suggested sumo wrestling as the competition, but Kiichi Hougen suspected he didn't really understand the rules of sumo—or the difference between sumo and wrestling, for that matter.

That's why, after Sara's over-the-shoulder throw sent him flying the first time, Itto had simply declared it a win for her.

No complicated rules—whoever knocked the other to the ground won. And in that regard, Sara had utterly crushed him.

Kiichi Hougen had taught Sara some basic close-combat techniques to ensure she could defend herself even without a weapon. Though Itto was physically stronger, the gap wasn't so large that raw strength alone could overwhelm technique.

After all, techniques were created precisely to allow the weak to overcome the strong.

Watching the match, Kiichi Hougen noticed how Sara's initial reluctance had gradually turned into something resembling enjoyment.

She had a chance to practice the skills her master had taught her and beat up the idiot who'd been frustrating her to no end.

Who wouldn't enjoy that?

To summarize her mood in one phrase—I'm having the time of my life!

"Now that you've lost, hurry up and leave." Sara didn't hold back, waving him off. "And don't come looking for me again. Just seeing you annoys me."

"No way! You're my chosen rival, Little Tengu. Until I defeat you fair and square, Itto Arataki doesn't back down from a challenge!"

"…"

Maybe I really should have buried him the first time we met.

"Well, isn't this a good thing? At least you've got some company now—you won't be lonely anymore."

"I don't want this kind of company! He's worse at understanding people than a monkey!"

"Well, he is an oni. Their way of thinking is… unique."

Kiichi Hougen shrugged, then turned to face Itto, who was still sitting on the ground.

"Ah! You're…" Itto squinted at her as she approached, blinking in confusion. "Wait, who are you again?"

"Hey, kid."

Stopping in front of him, Kiichi Hougen crouched slightly, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.

Then, she said something that left Sara utterly dumbfounded.

"Wanna be my disciple?"

For a moment, there was silence. Kiichi Hougen waited patiently for Itto's reaction, while Sara was too shocked to even speak or think. As for Itto…

"What's a disciple?"

The question was pure, unfiltered stupidity.

"A disciple means you become my student. I'll teach you skills, help you grow stronger, and protect you when you're in danger."

Kiichi Hougen didn't seem annoyed, calmly explaining. "Does that make sense to you?"

Itto crossed his arms and lowered his head, appearing to think deeply.

"Hmm… So, you're saying you'd make me stronger and help me fight?"

"Exactly~" Kiichi Hougen nodded with a smile. "That's one way to put it. So, what's your answer? Yes or no?"

Before Itto could reply, Kiichi Hougen felt a tug on her sleeve. She turned to meet Sara's conflicted, questioning gaze.

"Master… Are you seriously planning to take him as a disciple?" Sara furrowed her brows. "You're joking, right?"

"I'm not joking. Have you ever seen me joke about taking on disciples?"

"…"

The two locked eyes, their golden gazes reflecting each other.

Eventually, Sara released Kiichi Hougen's sleeve and stepped back.

"If this is your decision, Master, then I have no right to object."

"You seem to have a lot of complaints about this kid—and you clearly don't think much of him," Kiichi Hougen noted, tilting her head. "Aren't you curious about my reasons for taking him on? Or why I think he's worth teaching?"

"If you've chosen him, then he must have qualities I haven't seen. Qualities that are impressive enough to earn your recognition," Sara said, her tone sincere and devoid of resentment.

Satisfied, Kiichi Hougen turned her attention back to Itto.

"So, what's your decision?"

"You'd make me stronger and help me fight…"

Itto pushed himself to his feet, his sharp, eager eyes locking onto Kiichi Hougen's.

"Doesn't that just mean you want to be my boss?"

Sara slapped her hands over her face, utterly mortified.

Kiichi Hougen, on the other hand, seemed amused.

"If thinking of it that way makes it easier for you to understand, go ahead."

"No, Master!" Sara interjected, horrified. "That's not the same thing at all!"

To Sara, a master was a revered figure—someone sacred and worthy of respect.

Now, thanks to this idiot, it felt like that sacred title had been reduced to something vulgar.

"One day, I'll become the greatest, and the name Itto Arataki will echo across all of Teyvat!" Itto declared loudly, puffing out his chest and thumping it with his thumb. "Do you think I'd just randomly call some stranger my boss?"

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Greetings, esteemed Readers,

Your steadfast support throughout this journey has been as constant as the tides and as enduring as stone. In the spirit of gratitude, I am pleased to announce the release of bonus chapters, a reflection of your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.

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[patreon.com/WiseTL].

Even the humblest contribution becomes part of an enduring legacy, a cornerstone for tales yet to unfold.

With utmost sincerity,

— Zhongli