— — — — — — —
Swordsman Renzo took the lead and spoke up: "I think all Masochist Renzo needs to do next is focus on collecting different Breathing Techniques and sword styles."
"At the same time, he should figure out the principles behind the Transparent World and Demon Slayer Marks."
"As for swordsmanship training, that's up to you. With my talent, any sword technique in my hands is as easy as breathing. I can master it to a profound level in no time."
"Of course, if you want to put in the effort, that's fine too! After all, freeloaders aren't exactly welcome anywhere."
His own swordsmanship talent was already top-tier. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to comprehend Sword Intent in a regular wuxia world. Now, after merging with the swordsmanship talents of Demon Slayer Renzo and Pirate Renzo, he felt his talent had undergone yet another transformation.
Just how far it had evolved would have to be tested once he returned to his own world. One thing was certain—it had become even more terrifying.
Of course, Demon Slayer Renzo and Pirate Renzo would also integrate his and the others' swordsmanship talents. In the end, their potential would be roughly the same.
That said, talent alone wasn't enough. How much of it could be fully utilized depended on the individual.
For example, Uchiha Renzo had a wildly creative mind. When it came to merging and adapting Pokémon moves into the chakra system, he was far more talented than Eevee. He even developed an entire combat system based on Impact Punch.
Logically, the Impact move was part of Eevee's innate abilities, so Eevee should have had a better understanding and a greater talent for it. Yet, Uchiha Renzo outperformed him in this area.
Before anyone else could speak, Demon Slayer Renzo protested, "Hey, hey, hey! That's way too much! Calling me 'Masochist Renzo'? That's slander!"
Unfortunately for him, Swordsman Renzo ignored the outburst and just rolled his eyes before continuing: "Now, let's talk about myself. I will continue focusing primarily on my swordsmanship. However, I will also experiment with integrating chakra to develop new ninja sword techniques."
"In the future, once Pirate Renzo masters Haki, I can incorporate that into my swordsmanship as well!"
"In short, my primary focus will always be the way of the sword. Everything else will serve as a support system to enhance my swordsmanship."
"I strongly suggest that each of you establish a core path of your own. That way, you won't lose yourselves and can forge your own unique road to strength."
At that moment, Swordsman Renzo seemed like a completely different person.
He wasn't just showing off anymore—he was serious, reliable, and deeply insightful. His words left Uchiha Renzo and the others genuinely surprised.
"Wait a second!"
"Forging our own paths?"
Uchiha Renzo raised an eyebrow and said, "It sounds like you're hiding something from us. Until now, we all assumed that one day we'd merge back into a single being. But what you're saying suggests otherwise."
"!!!"
The others immediately snapped to attention, staring at Swordsman Renzo.
Instead of avoiding their gazes, Swordsman Renzo met their eyes directly and said, "When we were sharing abilities and memories, I instinctively resisted sharing any memories related to my wife."
"At that moment, I had a strange feeling—it told me that it was possible to exclude certain memories from being shared."
"WHAT???"
Uchiha Renzo and the others were utterly shocked, jumping to their feet.
"What exactly does that mean?" Pirate Renzo asked with a deep frown.
If their shared memories and abilities weren't entirely required, did that mean other conditions could allow for selective sharing? This completely overturned their previous assumption that they would inevitably merge into a single entity in the future.
"Calm down," Swordsman Renzo said, raising a hand to settle everyone. "The only thing that can be excluded from sharing is this specific type of personal memory. Everything else is still fully shared. I've tested it myself."
"The rest isn't even about being 'forced'—it's like we're all naturally connected, unable to control or prevent it."
"So, my theory is that even in the future, we'll still maintain a degree of independence."
"Honestly, I think that's a good thing."
"That's why I said earlier that each of us needs to establish a core focus. It's the only way to keep our individual identities intact and continue growing along our own paths."
"Otherwise, if we keep merging memories and abilities endlessly, we'll eventually lose ourselves and become fully assimilated."
At this point, Swordsman Renzo's face was serious as he warned them: "Listen up, everyone. Do not completely lose yourselves! We are not identical copies of each other. We are connected but still independent individuals."
"At the very least, I am just a straightforward and honorable Sword God!"
The group fell silent.
"Uh… Did he just openly clear his name?"
"I am NOT a drama king!" Uchiha Renzo protested.
"..."
"I am not shameless either!" Pirate Renzo retorted. "🙂"
"And I'm definitely NOT a masochist!" Demon Slayer Renzo huffed. "Heh…😤"
Finally, Swordsman Renzo's gaze fell on Eevee who didn't say anything.
"WOOOMMM!!"
Before he could even speak, Eevee's eyes glowed red as psychic energy surged around its body.
The warning was crystal clear—if Swordsman Renzo dared to say that infamous phrase, "Eevee doesn't seem very smart," it would immediately obliterate him.
If it had to, it was willing to perish alongside him!
Besides, Swordsman Renzo had just pointed out that they weren't completely linked. That meant destroying another Renzo might not affect the rest!
"Ahem!"
Swordsman Renzo quickly backed down and spared Eevee, choosing not to provoke it any further. Instead, he concluded, "Anyway, that's all I had to say! If anyone has anything else to add, speak freely!"
The group exchanged glances.
Uchiha Renzo was the first to respond: "I think Swordsman Renzo makes a good point. We all have different strengths and ways of thinking. Even if our talents are the same, our personalities and thought processes create noticeable differences."
"Rather than spreading ourselves too thin, we should focus on our strengths. After all, we can always share our abilities."
"If we aren't good at something, another Renzo can handle it!"
"So from now on, I'll make chakra my core focus. Everything else will be secondary."
"My entire training will revolve around chakra. If something involves chakra development, skill integration, or modification, I'll handle it."
"Of course, the future is unpredictable. If chakra ever becomes obsolete, I'll adjust my focus accordingly! That's it for now."
"Good." Swordsman Renzo nodded. "That's a solid plan. While ninja swordsmanship also involves chakra, I'll be developing that myself. Hopefully, it'll benefit you too."
"Appreciate it," Uchiha Renzo said with a grin.
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