Author's Note: Chiba Eijiro has appeared in the previous text in a narrative form, but some readers may have forgotten who Chiba Eijiro is and what his relationship with Chiba Dingji is, so here's a quick recap for everyone.
Chiba Eijiro is the second son of the late Chiba Shusaku (founder of the Beichen One-Sword Style and brother of Chiba Dingji), making him the second nephew of Chiba Dingji, the second brother of Chiba Domon Shiro, and the cousin of Chiba Shigetarou, Sazanoko, and others.
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"Oh?" Chiba Dingji raised an eyebrow, his eyes lighting up, and he asked excitedly, "Eijiro, have you… touched upon this legendary state?"
Chiba Eijiro nodded and then softly replied in a tone as if discussing something trivial:
"Just over half a month ago… on the eve of my decision to finally return to Edo after a long absence, I went hunting alone in a mountain and accidentally encountered a black bear."
