Chapter 525 Sword Dao Duel
Nakakino Oto pondered for a moment, then spoke, "First off, whether the other party would agree to a sword duel with me is still uncertain. Even if he agrees, there are too many tactics specifically designed to deal with an old man like me."
While he indeed possessed enough strength for a few moves, it was contingent on a direct confrontation. If Wu Li opted for mobile fighting, with Nakakino Oto's current energy and physical strength, he simply couldn't last long.
Mutian Gongxiong laughed and said, "Nakakino, Wu Li is now called the World's No.1 master! Since he is the World's No.1, how could he possibly refuse your challenge for a duel?"
"That's right," Iwado Xianrong added. "Moreover, with his status and reputation now, he can't just use any technique. Especially in a duel with you, given the age difference, if he resorts to despicable means, even if he wins, his reputation will be completely ruined!"
Nakakino Oto remained silent. He was also known as a Sword Saint, and he instantly understood the reasoning.
If it were someone not well-known, any method could be used without burden, and the worst others might say is 'young people lack martial virtue.' But with Wu Li at his current level, although still young, he must uphold 'martial virtue.'
For the World's No.1 master, so-called martial virtue is: No matter the opponent or the type of duel, I must win decisively in a way no one can criticize!
Seeing Nakakino Oto somewhat moved, Mutian Gongxiong continued to persuade him, "Nakakino, only you can avenge Ryosuke and Naoto!"
"Ah..."
With a sigh, Nakakino Oto closed his eyes, eliciting anxious glances from Mutian Gongxiong and Iwado Xian, though neither dared to rush him.
After a long while, Nakakino Oto opened his eyes.
"Mutian, schedule a time for me."
Mutian Gongxiong joyfully responded, "You agreed?"
Nakakino Oto looked out the window, his gaze drifting like smoke.
"For the final sword duel of my life, I hope it can take place beneath the cherry trees of my hometown."
...
On December 3, five of Island Country's most representative martial arts organizations, including the Kyokushin Karate Alliance, Jiu Jitsu Association, and Aikido Dojo, jointly issued a call, inviting Wu Li and Island Country Sword Saint Nakakino Oto to a sword duel!
For the martial arts world, the connection between Hua Country Martial Arts World and Island Country Martial Arts World is the deepest. The entanglement and origins between the two can be traced back hundreds of years. Even now, interactions are frequent, and both sides are very familiar with each other. Thus, when these five representative martial arts organizations from the Island Country Martial Arts World spoke up together, the news quickly spread throughout the Chinese Martial Arts World.
"Who is Nakakino Oto?"
This was a question posed by many younger martial artists who felt unfamiliar with the name.
"Nakakino Oto, the last Sword Saint of the Island Country..."
Older martial artists, upon hearing this name, would fall into reminiscence. When Nakakino Oto had made his name, he had also faced swordsmanship masters from the Chinese Martial Arts World and had an unbeaten record!
Regardless of whether one knew Nakakino Oto, for those familiar with Island Country Martial Arts World, the title of Sword Saint signifies a profound meaning.
Nakakino Oto had been honored with the title of Sword Saint at fifty-three. Before him, Island Country had not seen anyone achieve this honor for over sixty years! And since Nakakino Oto, nearly twenty years have elapsed with no one else attaining this distinction, which is why he is referred to as the last Sword Saint of the Island Country.
...
"Do you want to accept it?" Qian Kun asked Wu Li.
Wu Li smiled and responded, "Why not? It's rare nowadays that someone challenges me."
Qian Kun was not surprised by the answer but reminded him, "I specifically had someone gather information about Nakakino Oto. I discovered that Yang Yu from the Green Gang went to challenge Nakakino Oto eleven years ago, but he was defeated by one of Nakakino's disciples before Nakakino Oto could even make a move."
Wu Li nodded, "Chasing Light Sword Yang Yu was already well-known eleven years ago, and his strength at that time, even if not as good as now, wasn't much worse. The fact that he didn't even qualify to face Nakakino Oto directly shows the stark difference between them."
"You might have defeated Yang Yu with a bare-handed strike, but since swordsmanship is not your forte, you should be careful when facing this Sword Saint," Qian Kun earnestly advised.
Wu Li nodded, "Don't worry, I am aware of what I'm facing."
Qian Kun: "Alright then, this is a good opportunity to get some publicity."
...
On December 5, the news of 'Island Country Sword Saint Challenges Wu Li' became the hottest search in Hua Country.
The title of 'World's No.1 Master' recently awarded to Wu Li, along with Nakakino Oto's past achievements and his status in Island Country, were all discussed online.
Before, Wu Li's disputes with Hongmen, Green Gang, and Huaqing Gang were not suitable for publicity. But now, as the contest was between Wu Li and the Island Country Martial Arts World, the organization immediately agreed to promote this event well.
"Wow, how many years have passed, and Wu Li has become the World's No.1 master?"
"I personally witnessed Wu Li going from an internet celebrity to the World's No.1 master."
"I guessed that Wu Li would eventually become the World's No.1, just didn't think it would happen so quickly!"
"World's No.1, huh? It's amazing that someone could achieve such a title in modern times!"
"That Island Country Sword Saint sounds impressive, when are they battling?"
"I feel like Wu Liiflower has already conquered UFC and the Chinese Martial Arts World. Now it's time for Island Country."
"Hahaha, makes sense!"
"I really want to see this duel. Will it be live-streamed?"
...
Wu Li had almost become a top-tier influencer domestically. Once the news was released, the internet was flooded with related discussions, and countless netizens were inquiring where they could watch the live stream of this duel.
However, in reality, this duel was definitely not going to be live-streamed, and even filming was not permitted, only a few individuals of sufficient status were granted the privilege to watch on-site.
On December 7, Wu Li formally responded to the Island Country's five martial arts organizations, expressing his willingness to have a sword duel with Nakakino Oto. He allowed the opponent to decide on the time and place.
That same afternoon, the Island Country side responded:
Time: December 11, 2021, at 1 PM sharp.
Location: A nameless mountain on the outskirts of the Hirakawa District, Tokyo.
Sword Duel: Wu Li could use either a sword or a knife.
...
At 9 AM on December 11, Wu Li arrived in Tokyo.
Accompanying him were many great boxers and distinguished seniors from the Chinese Martial Arts World, totaling over thirty people, all of whom had received invitations.
At 12 PM, more than seventy people collectively arrived at a small hillside in the outskirts of the Hirakawa District.
No one spoke; all waited quietly.
At 12:45 PM, Nakakino Oto, wearing wooden clogs and samurai attire with a sword at his waist, walked step by step up the hillside.
Beneath a cherry tree that had yet to bloom, Nakakino Oto stood still.
At 12:55 PM, Wu Li appeared at the foot of the hillside.