Yasushi maintained a calm demeanor—but inside his head, he was screaming.

(What do I do?! What should I do?! I have to talk my way out of this and escape, or they'll kill me!!)

For some reason, Liam and his group thought that he and Yasujirou were two different people.

They considered the Original One-Flash Style to be a disgrace to the branch of the One-Flash Style they followed.

And then there was that monster.

A monster that had appeared out of nowhere, declaring it would kill them.

—Naturally, Yasushi had no idea what it was talking about.

(Why is a con man like me being targeted by a monster? But now that I think about it, these guys are monsters in human form too. —What's this about cutting without drawing your sword? This isn't some street performance.)

Yasushi's mind was racing at full speed.

(Calm down. I just have to get through this. If I can just get through this, a peaceful life will be waiting for me again!)

Being chased by the Dominion, being targeted by idiots who wanted to make a name for themselves by defeating the Sword God—Yasushi figured all of that was better than being captured by Liam's group.

And then, Yasushi had a flash of inspiration.

(That's it! There's no guarantee there's only one of those monster-like things, so why don't I get these inhuman freaks to deal with them?)

If creatures like that giant octopus existed, Yasushi wouldn't be able to sleep soundly at night.

In that case—he just had to get Liam and his crew to defeat them.

An excuse began to form in Yasushi's mind.

Behind him, his son Yasuyuki and his wife Nina were watching him with worried expressions.

Nina spoke to him.

"Yasu-kun, were you really a nobleman's master? I mean—I don't think a Count bowing his head is something that happens often, is it?"

Hearing Nina's words, Liam smiled.

"It's true, I rarely bow my head. However, my master and his family are exceptions."

Seeing Liam's smile, Nina seemed relieved—but Yasushi knew better.

(If someone told him to bow his head for any other reason, this guy looks like he'd cut them down. No, he'd definitely do it. If they find out I'm a fake, that I'm Yasujirou, it's all over!)

Yasushi created a solemn atmosphere and began to speak slowly.

"Lord Liam, I must tell you of the One-Flash Style's cherished desire."

"A cherished desire?"

"Yes. You saw that vicious monster earlier, didn't you? The One-Flash Style is—a sword art created to fight against beings like that."

"What did you say!?"

Behind the astonished Liam, Rinho and Fuuka's eyes were wide with shock as well.

"That thing is our enemy?"

"I guess it's true that no other swordsman could handle it. But right now, only our senior disciple can fight it, right?"

Seeing the two of them look at each other and consult seriously, Yasushi did a victory pose in his mind.

(Yes, this is working! B-but, the problem is this one.)

His gaze fell upon Ellen, who was the only one looking at him with suspicion.

(Sh-she's the only one who doubts me.)

A cold sweat ran down his back.

Because, from Yasushi's perspective, Ellen was also inhuman.

If they were to fight, he'd be killed in an instant, so the pressure he felt was immense.

Ellen opened her mouth. Her gaze and tone were probing.

"Lord Yasushi, may I ask a question?"

"W-what is it?"

"You say the One-Flash Style is a sword art for fighting those monsters, but why are there so many parts that are strikingly similar to the forms of other schools?"

The One-Flash Style was a patchwork of basic movements because Yasushi had appropriated forms from other schools.

Yasushi panicked at being called out on it, but upon hearing Ellen's question, Liam scolded her.

"Ellen! How dare you say such a thing to Master Yasushi. Do you not believe Master Yasushi's words, or the One-Flash Style?"

Though frightened by Liam, Ellen continued to glare at Yasushi.

"I-I believe in my master and my master's swordsmanship. Besides, I've heard rumors for a while now that the One-Flash Style steals techniques from other schools. —I was curious."

Calvin had spread such rumors in his attempt to undermine Liam's credibility.

Rinho and Fuuka were also directing killing intent at Ellen, but—

(Don't all three of you keep glancing at me! You were curious too, weren't you!?)

—As expected, they were curious. While admonishing Ellen, they were looking at Yasushi. Even as they said, "Don't ask such things!", they were sneaking glances to gauge his reaction.

But Yasushi didn't panic even in a situation like this.

After all, he was a man who had survived this long on his words alone.

One could say his unreliable mouth was all he had, but this very moment was the deciding point.

"That is because if you trace all schools back to their origin, you will arrive at the One-Flash Style. No! All martial arts lead back to the One-Flash Style!"

When he said something that sounded plausible enough, question marks appeared over Rinho and Fuuka's heads.

Ellen's gaze grew even colder, but Liam, who was deep in thought, was different.

Perhaps thinking there was some hidden meaning in Yasushi's words, Liam voiced his own interpretation.

"Do you mean that the ultimate form of martial arts is the One-Flash Style?"

"Yes, that's it!"

With Liam's help, Yasushi explained.

"Why do people seek martial arts? Why do they seek the sword? There are countless weapons, yet from ancient times, people have been drawn to the sword—that is because their instincts know there is something beyond mere human conflict. There are still many monsters in this world like the one we saw today!"

(Are there, I wonder? Well, if you look, you'll probably find some, right? And even if there aren't, I can just say they haven't been found yet.)

Yasushi wove in stories he'd heard somewhere, speaking in a way that sounded convincing.

"The One-Flash Style has been honing its techniques in anticipation of this! The One-Flash Style is a sword to protect the weak from monsters! It was created to fight against those who are far stronger than humans."

Hearing this, Liam looked down.

"I had a feeling that might be the case. The One-Flash Style is simply too strong. —However, if that's so, was it alright to leave the corrupt Original One-Flash Style alone? And why did they kidnap you, Master?"

When the Original One-Flash Style was mentioned, Nina, who was behind him, reacted.

Yasushi immediately turned around, and they spoke with their eyes.

(Don't tell them I'm the master of the Original One-Flash Style!)

(I understand, Yasu-kun!)

It was the coordination of a husband and wife whose hearts were connected.

Nina picked up Yasuyuki and gently covered his mouth.

After seeing that, Yasushi faced forward and continued speaking.

"The Original One-Flash Style is as good as destroyed. Their master was killed by the magistrate, Chester, while trying to escape."

"Is that so? But I'm surprised the disciples forgave Chester."

"They were likely blinded by greed. It is a lamentable thing."

What a terrible thing to say, considering he himself had been blinded by greed and founded the Original One-Flash Style.

"So, what was the reason for your kidnapping, Master?"

"They have lost the cherished desire of the One-Flash Style and came to me demanding my cooperation. —Thanks to a certain someone, I've become quite famous, you see."

A petty man who would make snide remarks at Liam—that was Yasushi.

And so, to prevent them from finding out he was Yasujirou, he forcibly ended the conversation.

"Therefore, Lord Liam, you and your disciples must exterminate monsters like that from now on. That is what the One-Flash Style is for."

Liam nodded silently.

"Understood. Before that—Kukuri."

But he narrowed his eyes and called a suspicious man from the shadows.

As Yasushi watched fearfully, Liam gave Kukuri an order.

"Regarding Master Yasushi's kidnapping, I doubt the Count is uninvolved. Investigate it, just in case. After that, teach them what happens when you mess with the One-Flash Style. Make an example of them."

Kukuri silently sank into the shadows.

"—As you wish."

A chill ran down Yasushi's spine that he couldn't stop.

(W-what was that conversation just now?! D-don't tell me, assassination of your enemies? No, that can't be. Right?)

Once Kukuri disappeared, Liam straightened his posture.

"And please, let me ask one more thing. Why can't you fight, Master? Surely you could have defeated that giant octopus, couldn't you?"

Yasushi threw off his jacket, revealing a diagonal scar.

Liam and the others were shocked by the scar.

"That scar!?"

"I faced a formidable foe. But my strength was not enough."

"Y-you, Master!? Is there someone stronger than that giant octopus?"

Liam held the mysterious conviction that Yasushi could have defeated the giant octopus that he himself had managed to kill.

(The idea that there's something scarier than that thing is terrifying. But, I guess I'll tell him that.)

"—There is. The enemy is an even greater evil. I was defeated by that being."

Behind him, Nina's face showed surprise, "Ah, that scar is—" but she quickly composed herself and put on a sad expression. As expected of a married couple.

Liam looked at Yasushi's scar.

"That's quite a sharp sword stroke. It's as if it was filled with resentment—could it be that you can't fight because of this wound? If so, I will prepare an Elixir immediately. Marie, prepare an Elixir."

"Yes, Lord Liam."

Hearing this, Yasushi panicked.

(This guy carries Elixirs around with him!? No, that's not the point.)

Yasushi shook his head and put his jacket back on.

"Lord Liam, I was defeated. I managed to survive, but I can no longer unleash even a single flash. I have suffered deep wounds to my heart and body."

"We'll treat it! I have gathered excellent doctors. I'm sure even your wound, Master—!"

(It'd be a problem if you healed it! It doesn't even hurt anymore!)

Yasushi looked down.

"My One-Flash was not enough to win. I likely won't be able to defeat it in the future either. —Therefore, please allow me to entrust my and the One-Flash Style's cherished desire to you, Lord Liam."

"T-to me? B-but..."

Yasushi pressed the flustered Liam with a strong tone.

"Why are you being so fainthearted! Lord Liam, you are my successor! And the one who will inherit the true One-Flash Style!"

Hearing this, Liam nodded silently, promising to fulfill the cherished desire that had been fabricated from lies on the spot.

"I understand. I will inherit the wishes of you and the One-Flash Style, Master."

"I am relieved. With this, I can now—"

Just as he thought all that was left was to escape, Yasushi was shot from behind.

Nina had betrayed him.

"Ah, if you wouldn't mind, could you lend us your strength for Yasuyuki's sake?"

Yasushi spun around.

(What is the meaning of this! I wanted to get away from these people!)

Nina was Yasushi's wife, but she was also Yasuyuki's mother.

She could tolerate her own misfortune, but she couldn't allow her son to be unhappy.

(I'm sorry, Yasu-kun.)

Nina pleaded with Liam for Yasuyuki's future.

"W-what do you think? I want this child to get a proper education. Is it possible for us to live on a planet with a good environment?"

Hearing Nina's wish, Liam beat his chest.

"Leave it to me, my lady! I, Liam Sera Banfield, will invite all of you to my home planet. Besides, I still have two disciple slots left, so I will make Yasuyuki-kun into a splendid swordsman of the One-Flash Style!"

From behind the declarative Liam, a voice of protest rose.

"Wait, senior disciple! I'm a full-fledged swordsman too, right? Then I'll take Yasuyuki! After all, Yasuyuki is my little brother!"

When Rinho said that, Fuuka didn't stay silent either.

"It'd be better if Yasuyuki came with me, right? The two-sword style is cool, after all!"

As the two of them started arguing about who would take Yasuyuki, Liam's selfishness exploded.

"No. I will make my master's precious son my disciple."

Rinho and Fuuka complained, but Ellen watched the scene with a complicated expression.

However—Yasushi could not accept that.

(I may be scum, but I'm not the kind of parent who'd turn his son into an inhuman monster! I will protect Yasuyuki, no matter what!)

Not wanting to entrust his son to Liam's group and cause him hardship, Yasushi shook his head.

"Your sentiment is more than enough. Besides, Yasuyuki has no talent. I intend to let this child walk a normal path."

Liam and the others, who revered Yasushi, slumped their shoulders in disappointment upon hearing this.

"Even if he has no talent, as long as he has the will—" none of the three could say such a thing after seeing the giant octopus.

If the cherished desire of the One-Flash Style was to fight giant octopuses, all three of them gave up on the idea of making Yasuyuki do such a thing.

Liam thought for a moment.

"In that case, let's entrust him to my most trusted knight."

Inwardly, Yasushi hurled abuse at Liam.

(I just said I don't want him doing anything dangerous, so why a knight?!)

At that, Marie, who had been waiting, stepped forward.

"Then, it is time for me, Lord Liam's right hand, to step up. I will raise Lord Yasuyuki into a fine knight."

However, the look Liam gave Marie was cold.

"Not you. Sit down."

"N-no way!?"

Yasushi clutched his head.

(What do I do!? What am I going to do! Should I abandon Yasuyuki and run? But that's just too—no, in the first place, would Nina even leave Yasuyuki?)

When he turned around, Nina was consulting with Liam.

"Oh my! Is it really alright for us to be in your care on your home planet, Lord Count?"

"I'll have a mansion prepared for you right away. Do you have any requests?"

"Even a small one is fine, but I'd like a garden. Also, please introduce me to a job."

"You don't need to worry about living expenses. I'll take care of you."

"No, I will work! It's my job to take care of Yasu-kun and Yasuyuki!"

"I-is that so? I'll have it arranged immediately."

Overwhelmed by Nina's enthusiasm, a slightly taken-aback Liam promised to arrange a job for her.

It was already decided that they would be heading to Liam's home planet.

Unable to defy Nina, Yasushi hung his head in defeat.

(I-it's over. What was all my effort for?)