I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

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Refuse?

To be invited as a disciple by her master was an unparalleled honor, a privilege beyond ordinary people's reach. And yet, this idiot dared to refuse?!

Did he even comprehend the weight of such an invitation? Did he have the faintest idea how rare and precious her master's acknowledgment was?

Was this guy a pig? The kind of filthy pig that couldn't understand the value of gold and would instead squeal with joy over a trough of slop?

If he was a pig, then it was only logical to slaughter him. Yes, he should be chopped up. After all, he was nothing more than a brainless swine, incapable of grasping worth. Killing him wouldn't even be a crime.

Maybe roast him whole—stick a metal rod through him and turn him over a fire until he sizzled like succulent roast suckling pig...

As Itto Arataki arrogantly rejected Kiichi Hougen's offer, the malice radiating from Sara was nearly palpable, rising like a storm into the heavens.

It was as if someone had desecrated the sacred text of a devout believer by using it to prop up a wobbly table. Her fury was weightier than that of a vengeful spirit bound by injustice for centuries.

"Ahem."

Kiichi Hougen cleared her throat and placed a hand on Sara's shoulder, preventing her from impulsively charging forward to hack the fool into 108 pieces.

For a fleeting moment, even Kiichi Hougen debated whether recruiting Itto was a mistake. If this boy really became Sara's junior disciple, how long would it be before she received news of "Itto Arataki found with multiple stab wounds, ruled an accident"?

No, surely Sara wouldn't go that far. They'd be siblings under her guidance, after all.

"Hmm… So, you're declining?"

Unlike Sara, Kiichi Hougen didn't seem the least bit perturbed by the rejection. She wasn't as revered in this world as she had been in her own. Here, she lacked the prestige of a legendary teacher worshipped across generations.

If Raiden Shogun had offered to take on a disciple, though, crowds would be fighting tooth and nail for the chance.

"No!" Itto shook his head vigorously. "I know I've got a long way to go before I'm the best in the world. I'm not against calling someone my boss."

"But!" He raised a hand dramatically. "If I'm going to accept someone as my boss, they've gotta be stronger than me! No way I'm following someone weaker."

Kiichi Hougen paused, then chuckled softly.

"Well, I suppose that does suit your style."

Smart people have their methods, and fools have theirs.

"So, you want me to prove I'm stronger than you?" Kiichi Hougen's smile turned playful. "How do you suggest we settle this?"

"That's easy!" Itto pounded his fists together, his Vision glowing faintly on his belt. "What else but a fight?"

"Well, that is the simplest and most straightforward method."

Sara silently stepped back.

Her expression, previously brimming with seething hatred, softened into one of profound pity as she glanced at Itto.

I can't watch this.

To prevent any claims of unfairness later, Kiichi Hougen even healed Itto's injuries and restored his stamina with a quick spell.

"Whoa! That's awesome!"

Itto's enthusiasm only grew as he marveled at her magic.

"Alright, I've decided! If you lose to me, then you'll be my underling! And you'll be the first member of my amazing new gang—the Arataki Gang!"

"Gahaha! You're quite the character, aren't you?" Kiichi Hougen laughed, clearly amused.

Sara, on the other hand, was baffled by Itto's confidence.

Sure, he didn't know who Kiichi Hougen was, but after hearing Sara call her "Master" multiple times, shouldn't it have been obvious that Kiichi Hougen was stronger than Sara?

He couldn't even beat Sara—how on earth did he think he could defeat Kiichi Hougen?

The answer was self-evident. Even a fool could see it.

"Aaahhh! It hurts! It hurts so much! Stop! I give up! I surrender!"

Itto's cries rang out as Kiichi Hougen easily planted him headfirst into the ground.

At first, Kiichi Hougen had allowed him to use his weapon and his elemental abilities. But Itto, in his usual bravado, refused. "You're unarmed! It wouldn't be fair!" he'd declared.

Moments later, he was buried headfirst in the dirt.

After healing him, Kiichi Hougen suggested he use his Vision this time. He reluctantly agreed, only to be promptly buried again—this time right next to the first hole.

When even that failed, a nervous Itto finally abandoned his principles. He brought out his massive spiked club, larger than he was.

The result? No different.

"One, two, three… eleven, twelve, thirteen."

Kiichi Hougen counted the neatly aligned holes in the ground. "Thirteen. That's a prime number. Kind of unlucky, isn't it? Want to make it fourteen?"

"No, no, no! I'm completely convinced! I lost, okay? Please, Boss, show mercy!"

Itto, who had been so arrogant just moments ago, was now groveling shamelessly.

Even Sara, who had been watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but look conflicted.

His earlier wails were so pitiful that even she felt her resentment begin to fade. His screams had been nothing short of heart-wrenching—more agonizing than a pig being slaughtered.

Kiichi Hougen, a master of all forms of combat, knew precisely how to inflict pain without leaving a mark. And though she healed him after each round, she left the pain intact.

Too cruel?

Please. Kiichi Hougen's training methods for her disciples were far harsher. The only reason Sara had been spared was her young age and developing body. Itto, on the other hand, was an oni—tough and resilient. He could handle it.

Besides, she already had distinct training plans for her two disciples. Sara, with her strategic mind, would be a commander who could excel both on the battlefield and in the war room.

Itto, on the other hand, wasn't built for thinking. His strength would be honed to its fullest, making him an unstoppable warrior.

Even before officially taking him as a disciple, Kiichi Hougen was already planning his training regimen.

"Well then," she said with a sly smile, "no more calling me 'Boss.' From now on, it's 'Master.'"

"Yes, Master! I'm sorry, Master!" Itto wailed, bowing repeatedly.

Seems like I've left quite the impression on him, Kiichi Hougen mused, her grin widening.

As the sun cast her face in shadow, her smile took on an almost sinister edge. Itto couldn't see it from where he knelt, but a shiver ran down his spine regardless.

This is just the beginning, Kiichi Hougen thought. There's much harsher training ahead.

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— Zhongli