Marin and Nic continued fishing in the middle of the Kyushin territory, but the place was completely deserted; there was no one around.
"You said there was a commotion... why is it so quiet?" Nic asked.
Marin explained that the commotion had subsided because the strongest people in their respective regions had arrived.
"Oh... while we're fishing, explain everything you know to me. By the way, it turns out you are indeed an informant, aren't you?" Nic said.
Marin nodded. "Besides being an expert in fishing, I also become an impromptu informant, because when I fish, I accidentally always hear conversations that sound trivial but are actually important."
After that, Marin started fishing and explained to Nic about the Kyushin regions.
These two regions have existed since ancient times before they were modern like they are now. Every generation of their descendants has continued to inherit the customs and habits of their ancestors until now.
The right region belongs to the Kyu Family. The name of the region is taken from their family name. Their family has various sword techniques, but the most famous is the Samurai style.
"Samurai... interesting," Nic said.
Marin continued. Kyu Kazumi is the greatest descendant the Kyu family possesses. She mastered all sword techniques... she is as fast as the wind and sharp.
Then, on the left is the Shin region. Just like Kyu, Shin also has the same history. The two are eternal regional rivals without malice a healthy rivalry.
The Shin family also has their greatest descendant now, namely Shin Meilin, the Jinzhi (God of Steel). Her martial arts techniques are numerous, and she is an expert at reading enemy movements; also, her endurance is like steel.
"Stop for a moment..." Nic said.
Marin looked at Nic confusedly. "Why stop?"
"Someone is watching us," Nic scanned the area, and there was a sharp aura looking in their direction.
Marin panicked and continued to pretend to fish but stopped explaining.
It seemed that Marin's explanation was heard because these two regions are extremely sensitive when discussing each other.
"Marin, one last question, are they afraid of the government?" Nic asked, holding her shoulder.
Marin sweated and shook her head quickly, indicating that these two regions are more dominant than the government, and the government is afraid of dealing with Kyushin.
Then, suddenly, a katana flew toward them. Marin panicked a lot, but...
Nic easily caught it, then saw a woman approaching in a samurai outfit... definitely from the Kyu region.
"My name is Kyu Yami. I heard all your conversation... we have been trained to hear since childhood, even from a considerable distance... so don't try to lie," Yami from the Kyu region said.
Marin could only remain silent, hiding behind Nic.
"Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Nic, a traveler... may I enter your territory for my studies?" Nic said casually.
Marin was surprised because Nic was doing strange things again, but this time she tried to stay silent and just follow what Nic said.
Meanwhile, Yami just remained silent. This was the first time an ordinary person dared to want to enter Kyu territory.
"You may, but there is one condition... you must participate in the Samurai Tournament in the Kyu region that will be held soon as my champion... agreed?" Yami said.
Hearing that, Nic already knew Yami's intention. It seemed there were 2 options: first, choosing him because she no longer had a champion she could use, including herself; second, just wanting to play with Nic.
"What's the prize if I win the tournament?" Nic asked.
Yami explained that the prize is very luxurious: being able to meet the Chief Guardian of the Cherry Blossom tree and its flower protector directly, and entering the original Cherry Blossom area, which only exists in the Kyu region and is completely different from the tourist spot... even the Chief Guardian of the Cherry Blossom rarely comes out.
Hearing that, Nic was enthusiastic... because it was still related to the 7 Natural Trees of Heaven.
Nic quickly agreed and asked Marin if she wanted to join or not. Marin, who had previously felt guilty about leaving Nic, finally chose to join, but she shyly asked Nic to look after her.
Nic casually agreed and followed Yami. Before leaving, Nic whistled to signal his crow, Noctis, to come.
On the way, while Marin was making small talk with Yami, Nic used Cupid Arsenal > Pistol towards Yami.
[ Ding! Congratulations! Kyu Yami is 100% in love and Loyal to Master Nic! ]
[ Ding! Hearth Claim active! Kyu Yami has been added to the girlfriend list. ]
[ Ding! Skill Transfer active! Gained new skill: God of Samurai (Master Nic is instantly an expert in all samurai techniques). ]
"Okay, with this, things will go easily..."
---
A few minutes later, they finally arrived at the main Kyu territory. There were no large buildings, only traditional Eastern-style structures, and many samurai passing by on the streets.
Then Nic saw a large Samurai Statue. The statue was shaped like a woman holding 4 katanas between her fingers.
Yami explained that it was a statue of Kyu Kazumi, the undefeated phenomenon of the Kyu family.
Nic smiled and was curious about the girl. Then they arrived at a place that looked like a magnificent colosseum.
Then someone approached Yami. "Yoo Yami, did you find your player? Or are you going to play yourself, haha..." He was Yami's friend.
Yami laughed and pointed to Nic as her player who would participate in the Kyu Samurai Tournament.
Yami's friend saw that Nic didn't have any trace of being a samurai at all, which made Yami's friend skeptical, then he patted Yami's shoulder.
"Uhumm, good luck..." Yami's friend said with clear sarcasm before leaving.
Yami didn't care too much, then registered Nic and he received a red headband, which meant Nic was on the red team because there would also be team battles in this tournament.
"Hehe, are you seriously capable? Just raise your hand if you don't want to die," Yami said.
Nic replied casually that he could do it. "Relax, you won't regret choosing me as your player, sksk."
They all entered the rest room to wait for their turn. Meanwhile, Nic gave a signal to his crow, Noctis, to watch from the top of the colosseum.
"Hehe, you're finally useful, Noctis... since I can't watch their matches, I can't see how cool their techniques are... you'll be my little CCTV," Nic said.
Meanwhile, Noctis immediately flew to the top of the colosseum and observed the match.
To be continued...