Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 115

Nothing But Talent

“Status and reputation?”

Upon hearing these two points, Kurosawa pondered.

Honestly, these two things seemed quite intangible and not very practical.

“Perhaps in terms of wealth, I can’t compare to my students, but every person who meets me will respectfully address me as a teacher. With my connections, wherever I go, there are people welcoming me with courtesy, and accomplishing things is also quite simple.”

“But if I open a dojo, won’t I be competing with you for students?”

Hearing about connections, Kurosawa felt a bit intrigued but also had some concerns.

In fact, the change in Sato’s attitude made him have respect for Sato, so he didn’t want the latter to be at a disadvantage.

If he were to really open a dojo, with his perfect-level archery skills, attracting students wouldn’t be difficult at all.

“As I mentioned earlier, wealth is an external thing. Your potential is high, and you’re still so young. The future of Neon archery relies on you to lead.”

“I’ll consider it… Can I become an instructor without opening a dojo?”

After contemplating for a moment, Kurosawa asked.

“You can, but becoming an instructor without opening a dojo, don’t you feel like sitting on a treasure mountain without realizing it?”

“Indeed.”

“And if you become Mirai’s partner and want to open a dojo, my old friends will surely lend their support. Anyway, if you have any trouble in the future, you can come to me. My network of connections is quite extensive.”

“How can I repay you for helping me so much?”

As he heard more and more from Sato, Kurosawa felt a somewhat overwhelmed sensation. 

What had he done to deserve such favor?

“If you can contribute to the flourishing of archery, that would be repayment enough. Besides, I’m helping you because I want to be friends with you.”

“Friends?”

“Come visit me from time to time, chat, share your thoughts, have a drink or tea… If you end up with Mirai, you can consider yourself my grandson-in-law. Mirai used to call me grandpa when she was a child.”

“So, do I have to call you grandpa?”

Hearing this, Kurosawa felt something was off and couldn’t help but speak up.

Although he respected the ninth dan archer, the sudden change to being referred to as a grandson-in-law felt like a significant drop in status.

“If you’re willing, you can. If not, it’s okay. Let’s each do our own thing. You can call me ‘Brother Shinichi,’ and I’ll call you ‘Brother Kurosawa.'”

Seeing his peculiar expression, Sato found it amusing.

“Brother Shinichi?”

Kurosawa tried the new address.

“I’m in my seventies, so having you call me ‘Brother’ is not too much, right?”

Seeing him still contemplating, Sato patted his chest and stared at him.

“Not at all.”

Kurosawa shook his head. As long as it wasn’t ‘grandpa,’ anything else was fine.

“Brother Kurosawa, any other questions?” With this settled, Sato kindly inquired.

“Not for now.”

After some contemplation, Kurosawa shook his head. The thing he wanted to consult Sato about was how to become a ‘Hanshi’ and gain the approval of Shiromiya’s grandfather.

“Now that you have no more questions, it’s Brother Shinichi’s turn.”

Finally finishing his own inquiries, Sato rubbed his hands with some impatience.

“Alright.”

“You know very little about the etiquette of the ‘Reisha’ school, but your archery skills are so exquisite. What school do you belong to, and who is your master?” Sato was very curious about this matter.

“I don’t belong to any school. I developed my skills on my own.”

Kurosawa didn’t know which school he belonged to, but he had already prepared a set of explanations.

“Your shooting style is so good, and you developed it on your own without a master?”

Sato was astonished, showing an expression of disbelief.

“When I first picked up a bow, it felt like my body instinctively knew how to hold it. And when I aimed and shot for the first time, I felt it—this arrow would definitely hit its mark.”

Kurosawa nodded, looking down at his hands, his tone resolute.

This was the excuse he came up with, attributing his skills to innate talent, as talent, after all, doesn’t always conform to reason.

“Wow… If that’s true, your talent is even more terrifying than I imagined.”

Realizing that Kurosawa achieved this level with just casual practice, Sato drew in a sharp breath.

He had a conversation with Kurosawa for an afternoon. 

This junior of his, who reported to the archery club in Tokyo for the first time last week, didn’t even know the eight steps of shooting or the etiquette of archery. 

Still, his archery skills were unparalleled, hitting the bullseye with a single arrow. Just by demonstrating it once, he could imitate the shooting style perfectly.

Initially, Sato thought Kurosawa might belong to the “Busha-ryu” or “Kisha-ryu” , having encountered “Reisha-ryu” for the first time, hence the current confusion. However, it seemed that this young man was simply a natural talent, born for archery. (1)

“In fact, I rarely shoot arrows. I just mess around occasionally when I visit my hometown because hitting the bullseye every time is not challenging, and my dad wants me to focus on studying.”

Kurosawa began to shift blame, explaining his circumstances and situation.

“Haven’t you thought about using archery for survival?”

“I haven’t had the chance before. I used to shoot alone, and my dad didn’t allow me to join any clubs, so I didn’t have the opportunity.”

“Your dad is… never mind. Anyway, now you have the chance, don’t neglect archery anymore.”

Sato was quite frustrated, originally wanting to vent his anger, but due to his temperament and self-restraint, he held back and turned a bit excited, earnestly advising him.

If this junior’s talent was truly that terrifying, he might be able to lead the Reisha-ryu to unprecedented heights.

For a moment, he seemed to envision the rise of archery, this junior becoming a legend, leaving a lasting mark in history.

In that future narrative, the junior might even mention the story of his youth when he received help from his senior, becoming an enduring tale.

“Got it.”

Kurosawa was unaware that his senior was considering helping him leave a lasting legacy. Seeing his earnestness, he nodded.

Regardless, Sato had done him such a huge favor. 

Even if Kurosawa couldn’t fulfill everything, at least he should show a cooperative attitude and not let him down.

……

Kurosawa stayed for dinner, rested for a while, and then left the Windchaser Dojo.

“Too enthusiastic.”

Kurosawa turned back to look at the massive ancient-style mansion, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Sato was incredibly enthusiastic, almost like entering into a blood brotherhood.

He was about to go home, and Sato even called a driver to take him. 

Considering it wouldn’t be right to keep accepting favors, Kurosawa declined, mentioning that someone was coming to pick him up.

“Is it 8 o’clock already?”

Kurosawa checked the time on his phone and noticed a couple of messages—one from Ichinose and another from Itsuragi.

“Proficient level in piano, hopefully everything goes smoothly.”

Since he hadn’t settled down yet, Kurosawa didn’t open the messages to read the details. Instead, he put his phone back into his pocket and continued walking.

It was better not to play with his phone while walking. He thought it would be more appropriate to chat slowly after getting into the car or returning home.

This morning, he had asked many questions about the investment in the company. 

For example, why start with a hundred million?

According to Ninomiya, it meant “more investment, more returns.”

Certainly, he could easily rent a recording studio, get a piano, a camera—everything he needed without spending too much. 

However, first impressions were crucial. Investing a bit more would help him stand out from ordinary pianists.

Itsuragi explained that the artist’s label is crucial. 

If people perceive you as high-class, you can secure top endorsements. If the impression is down-to-earth, you’ll likely get smaller endorsements.

Regardless, Kurosawa felt their support and trust profoundly. 

His task was to live up to these expectations.

……

Returning home, Kurosawa noticed it was nearly 9 o’clock.

“Whoosh.”

Entering the bathroom, he splashed his face with water, revitalizing himself.

Having been pulled around since early morning and returning home at this hour, he felt quite tired.

Slumping onto his bed, Kurosawa took out his phone.

“Hikaru-kun, I’ve registered on Twitter, take a look. (Screenshot of the account page)”

“What should I do next?”

“Are you busy?”

“Dinner is ramen; I’m having it with Ai.”

“I’m back home.”

Ichinose’s messages were sent around 2 PM, indicating that she had met with Shiina and they were working together.

He was aware of this matter because, after leaving Itsuragi’s house, taking a taxi to buy a finger guard, and on his way to the Windchaser Dojo, he chatted with Ichinose.

When it came to sending messages, she was quite proactive, updating him on her situation.

“I’m back home too.” After reading the messages, Kurosawa replied.

“It’s so late, what kept you so busy?” The next moment, Ichinose replied instantly, curious.

“It’s a secret, you’ll know next week.” Kurosawa thought for a moment and wrote.

Because their next date involved photography, he needed to buy a camera this week. 

He planned to surprise Ichinose by being her photographer.

“Tell meeee.”

Ichinose was very curious, and just by reading her words, Kurosawa could imagine her cute, playful expression.

“A secret is a secret. You’ll find out on Saturday, so don’t worry.”

“Saturday? Then, I’ll take a day off work.”

“Take the whole day off.”

“Mm-mm.”

“I’ll go take a shower now. I’ll video call you later.” Calming Ichinose’s emotions, Kurosawa decided to slip away for a while.

“Sure!”

Learning that they could video call, Ichinose readily agreed.

At this point, Kurosawa closed the chat with her and opened another chat, which was Itsuragi’s chat.

“I’ve already rented a place, and the recording studio will start renovations tomorrow. I’ve also found a piano, brand new and well-packaged. You’ll definitely love it. It should be almost ready by Wednesday. I’ll pick you up, and we can unbox it together.”

“Why didn’t you reply to my messages? What were you busy with?”

“Reply when you see this message.”

“Ok.”

Her messages were straightforward. Kurosawa quickly scanned them, didn’t find anything unusual, and replied.

“Asking for trouble, aren’t you? Replying to my messages so late. What were you up to?”

After about a minute, the messages were marked as read, and Itsuragi was a bit speechless.

“I joined a club.”

“But I thought you didn’t join any clubs? Chizuru said you’re part of the Return-to-Home Department.”

“I joined the Archery Club last week.”

Kurosawa felt it was necessary to explain this matter first.

After all, during the summer break, he would need to allocate at least three days to participate in the competition; otherwise, it would be challenging to explain later.

Moreover, Ninomiya provided him with Uesugi’s contact information, and this matter wouldn’t be easy to conceal.

“At such a critical moment when we’re about to start a business, do you still have the time to join a club?”

“Just occasionally showing up is enough. Besides, learning archery is beneficial for cultivating one’s temperament.”

“That’s not wrong. Men who practice archery do appear refined and cultured.” Regarding this statement, Itsuragi accepted it.

TL Notes: 

1. 1. These are all fictional styles/schools of archery.