Book 2: Chapter 26: Hara.s.sed in the Woods

Two identically dressed women with similar heights yet vastly distinct figures stood opposite each other in the dimly lit dojo.

This so-called distinction mainly referred to the chest and b.u.t.t as their waists were equally slender.1

BOOM! Crimson-colored spirit power surged out from Lily and condensed atop the wooden sword. Her spirit power had also manifested numerous sakura that floated in the surroundings.

Intent!? The scene had shocked Minamoto no s.h.i.+mizu, Looks like you have some skill in this aspect.

Only a year had pa.s.sed since Minamoto no s.h.i.+mizu had comprehended her personal intent.

Hah! Lily gave out a shout and charged towards s.h.i.+mizu with all her might. Her tender feet created rattling sounds on the wooden floor.

A glint lit up in s.h.i.+mizus eyes. She smiled towards Lily and rushed forward to meet her all of a sudden, her movements leaving behind a vague afterimage.

Amidst the sprint, Lily couldnt make out s.h.i.+mizus location as she was too fast. Hence, Lily couldnt predict how she would attack, yet Lily had already waved her sword by this time.

Although Lily couldnt see s.h.i.+mizu, she could sense the direction of the latters spirit power and also rely on her intuition to predict how her opponent would attack.

Lily had intentionally left a hidden flaw in her defense. The opponent would surely find this flaw if they were an expert. They could overpower her even without this flaw, but most of the experts wouldnt ignore such a weakness and brute force through the battle.

Lily wanted to bet on this possibility.

The chances of hitting s.h.i.+mizu with a regular attack were low, so Lily relied on her intuition to blindside her.

Wham! Lilys wooden sword unfathomably landed on s.h.i.+mizus frail shoulder and broke into pieces.

Bam! Followed by a blinding aquamarine light, Lily got blown away by s.h.i.+mizus sword and dropped at the end of the dojos floor several meters away. Her body felt numb momentarily, making her unable to get up.

s.h.i.+mizu also stood there in a daze before brus.h.i.+ng off the wood shavings on her shoulder. Her powerful Resplendent Aqua Spirit Armor had disintegrated the dojos grade three wooden sword with ease. She hadnt suffered any injuries except for the cut on the fabric covering her shoulder, which had revealed her pinkish skin. As for Lily, a casual swing had blown her away so far.

Yet shock filled the eyes of s.h.i.+mizu as she gazed upon her opponent.

Because even though a vast gulf existed between their skills, Lily had delivered the first blow.

This woman is crazy! Minamoto no s.h.i.+mizus gaze lingered on her shoulder. She felt a faint numbness from there. If their skills were equal and they had used real swords, s.h.i.+mizu would have died in the exchange just now. A single instant could bring many changes in a real battle. Lily showcased an extraordinary intuition for combat, something that even s.h.i.+mizu didnt possess! An intuition that evoked envy in others!

Im beginning to understand why that kind of rumor exists about her and Uesugi Rei.

Minamoto no s.h.i.+mizu strode forward and pushed Lilys bosom with the wooden sword and traced it down her body, right towards the end.2

She crouched and grabbed Lilys hand to pull her up.

The rich musky fragrance that had formed on Lilys body due to the intense movements made her feel a little absent-minded.

Why? Why are we so different when were both women? I dont sweat no matter how much I fight or train, nor is there a fragrance on my body. Although we possess similarly thin waists, my beauty lacks in s.e.xiness and isnt that womanly.

s.h.i.+mizu supported Lily and helped her lean on the wooden wall as the numbness hadnt worn off yet.

Are you okay? s.h.i.+mizu asked with deep concern.

Lily finally broke free from the daze, I Im fine.

Sorry! I attacked too heavily Umm, does it still hurt? Your b.u.t.t.

Huh? Lily quickly regained her senses and blushed.

You were the one who hit so fiercely just now! Why are you asking this now?!

But it does still hurt a bit.

However, Lily shook her head stubbornly.

s.h.i.+mizu looked at Lily and opened her mouth to say something but heard the voices of male disciples from outside the dojos entrance. It seemed that the time for instruction had almost arrived, so the disciples were arriving in succession.

s.h.i.+mizu hesitated for a moment and then left, leaving the numbed Lily there alone.

Who was that woman just now? Shes too strong

As s.h.i.+mizu had swung really hard, Lily gradually felt her b.u.t.t sear with pain again. She could neither sit nor stand during the morning practice. Her mind wandered about, unable to focus on the lessons.

The lessons ended with her in such a dazed state, so Lily returned back to her residence quietly and planned to use a warm compress for treatment. After all, it would be a bother if a mark were left on her white b.u.t.tocks. Lily loved beauty the most, so although she wouldnt show that place to anyone, she couldnt express it in words as this related to her self-confidence as a woman.

Kagami Lily!

With her mind filled with the matters of her b.u.t.t, Lily absent-mindedly pa.s.sed through a gloomy bamboo forest on the way back to her residence and got obstructed by someone.

The person leading them was a stout, well-built young man Tokugawa s.h.i.+getsugu.

Standing 1.9 m tall, his narrow gaze never left Lilys bosom and face.

Lily stopped and went on alert.

Although this location looks desolate, it is within the premises of Genji Clans Main Dojo. They ought to keep themselves in check.

However, Lily had no weapon on her right now, while Tokugawas group had wooden swords.

I was too careless. Are they here to take revenge for their fellow brother, Hachiya?

Whats the matter? Lily exercised restraint and asked courteously.

A muscular samurai wearing an Ebos.h.i.+ cap left Tokugawa s.h.i.+getsugus side and walked over towards Lily, Do you know who we are?

Lily shook her head.

Humph! This is Lord Tokugawa s.h.i.+getsugu, the son of Tokugawa s.h.i.+gemori from the Furinkazan. I am Tsunemoto Torayasu, and that person is Kas.h.i.+ma Hajime. We are known as the Three Tigers of Mikawa, the experts of Eastern Nations younger generation. A hint of intimidation existed within Tsunemoto Torayasus prideful expression as he said this.

Oh Greetings then, Seniors. Lily stated flatly.

Humph! Looks like you possess some sense, I shall get right to the point then. If you still wish to remain in this dojo, you must pay us half of the magatama fragments you acquire each month. Or else, we have several methods to get rid of a woman like you from here. Torayasu threatened.

Lily scoffed internally.

Lets not even mention how important magatama fragments are to me, even if they werent, I have no reason to give them to you.

3

Are seniors planning to collect protection fees from Lily? She retorted icily.

Tokugawa s.h.i.+getsugu stepped forth and released a low-grade yet immense spiritual power.

A Mid-Tier Sword Saint! Shock filled Lilys heart.

It looks like this Tokugawa is the strongest among them. His strength overshadows mine!

Yet it seemed like Tokugawa s.h.i.+getsugu had no intention of threatening Lily. He stated in a rather friendly tone, Miss Kagami, I wont say much. The customs dictate that newcomers have to provide us offerings. Although Im the boss, I cant break the rules as I wont be able to answer my brothers. However, if you become my lover, youll be exempted from it, and my brothers wont object to it too. Isnt that right, brothers?

The disciples surrounding Lily expressed their agreement one after the other.

How about it? Do you promise to become my lover?

Hah? Lily looked stunned.

W-What kind of wacky confession is this?

Naturally, no matter how a man confessed to her, Lily would never accept it.

However, although this had disgusted Lily, she didnt find it weird.

After all, although Lilys soul was of a boys, others didnt know about it and only saw her youthful beauty. It would be a wonder if a man didnt fall for her looks and figure.

Even though it made sense, with this Tokugawas gross and flabby looks as well as atrocious behavior that placed him in the same category as As.h.i.+kaga Kiyos.h.i.+, he had no chances at all. There was no need to speak much about the reason for that.

Pardon me, but I cannot promise that, Lily replied coldly.

What did you say? Tokugawa s.h.i.+getsugu furrowed his brows, viciousness taking over his face.

Robinxen: s.h.i.+mizu would be my type if she was a little less arrogant I think. Not that I dislike arrogant girls, but they need to have a certain charm. The imouto from the novel I keep trying to write before giving up is somewhat arrogant, justifiably so given she has two cheat abilities, but shes still cute.

Robinxen: s.h.i.+mizu is acting like the villain in a lood ntr doujin.

Robinxen: Lily being a paragon of common sense.