Chapter 44: Upgradeable Trait

Chapter 44 - 44: Upgradeable Trait [First time acquiring a disciple with B-grade talent. Extra reward granted: Trait — Patient Guidance.] The system prompt left Nanatsuki confused. He had already received the "Patient Guidance" trait before—so why was it given again as a first-time reward? Curious, Nanatsuki opened his Status Interface, only to find that the existing trait had undergone a change. [Patient Guidance (Upgradeable): You are skilled at guiding others and inspiring confidence. When instructing disciples, their talent (limited to comprehension, understanding, and learning ability) will temporarily increase by one minor grade. Disciples currently on cultivation tasks will continuously benefit from this effect.] Nanatsuki was stunned. The Patient Guidance trait could be upgraded? 'If even those S-grade disciples can benefit from this effect, then this boost is honestly terrifying.' He checked the Status Interface of his disciples and saw that the ones currently undergoing cultivation tasks had all gained a small increase in their talent grade. [Hirako Shinji Talent: S (S+) Reiatsu: Lv31] Just like Hirako Shinji, both Muguruma Kensei and Kotetsu Isane, who were in the middle of cultivation tasks, had their talents upgraded to S+. However, since Chijō Kana had already completed the cultivation task for the sword technique Shun Strike, and was currently in a phase of consolidating her progress without a new task, her talent remained at its original S-grade. As for the newly recruited disciple, Kobane Jin'emon, his talent was still B+. Nanatsuki considered this carefully. It seemed that recruiting disciples of S- and B-grade talents each triggered the Patient Guidance reward. Then perhaps other talent grades would trigger their own rewards as well? But disciple slots were still limited. There were still two S-grade potential targets he hadn't recruited yet—Shihōin-san and Yadōmaru Lisa. It was better to wait until he had more room before taking in those with lower talent grades. Of course, if he encountered someone with A-grade talent, he would still consider them. From his observations, B-grade talents on the Status Interface corresponded to potential seated officer level, A-grade to lieutenant level, and S-grade to captain-class potential. C- and D-grades were barely cannon fodder tier. With his limited slots, Nanatsuki really didn't want to take on anyone with such low potential. As far as he knew, the only current way to earn new disciple slots was through the reward for first-time lectures in advanced classes. "Hopefully, Department Head Yamada will arrange my Kaido Advanced Class lecture soon." Nanatsuki recalled how Yamada had previously said he'd invite him to give a lecture, and the thought made him feel somewhat hopeful. Snapping out of his thoughts, Nanatsuki turned to his new disciple and said: "Kobane, come have dinner at the dojo tonight. Let's celebrate a little." Kobane Jin'emon assumed it was a celebration for joining Katori-ryu, and was moved to tears. "Thank you, Master!" That evening, Nanatsuki and four disciples carried a pile of ingredients back to the Katori-ryu Dojo. As they stepped into the inner courtyard, they heard voices coming from the rear yard. "The Kotetsu girl's got some energy, huh? Does she train this long every day?" a lazy male voice asked. "Isane's a hardworking child—so diligent it's almost painful to watch," said Katori Batsu'unsai. "She's got solid form too. Looks like you're great at teaching, Katori-kun. Sending you to the Academy was the right move after all!" the lazy voice said again. "I'm surprised too. All of Nanatsuki's disciples so far have been excellent," Batsu'unsai added. "Seeing Captain Katori looking so lively puts my heart at ease," said the lazy voice. "No need to worry about my health. Nanatsuki's taken great care of me. I should last another year or two," Batsu'unsai said lightly. "Hey now, don't jinx it like that. I hear even the Royal Guard is researching your condition. You're going to get better, Captain Katori," the voice replied. "I'll take that as a blessing," Batsu'unsai said with a smile. "Alright, it's getting late. I should get going." "Stay for dinner! I heard from Nanatsuki this morning that he's cooking a feast tonight!" Nanatsuki stepped into the rear yard to see Katori Batsu'unsai and Kyōraku Shunsui sitting under the eaves, sipping tea. At this point, Shunsui's appearance closely resembled the image from Nanatsuki's previous life—his hair tied back into a ponytail, wearing a pink, floral-patterned haori, a bit of stubble on his chin... the only thing missing was his signature straw hat. "Katori-kun, you're back! I'm just here to 'inspect your work'," Shunsui joked. "I was worried you wouldn't be able to juggle things after moving to the Academy, but seeing you in good spirits, I feel relieved." "Thanks to your support, Captain Kyōraku," Nanatsuki replied with a smile. "Captain Kyōraku, please stay for dinner tonight. I haven't properly thanked you for everything." After Batsu'unsai stepped down as captain, Kyōraku Shunsui took over and assigned Nanatsuki a long-term mission—to look after the ailing former captain. Other than that, Shunsui had never given him any additional tasks, and Nanatsuki's salary had continued without issue. For someone perpetually strapped for cash, this meant a lot. Even when Nanatsuki transitioned to being a teacher at the Shin'o Spiritual Arts Academy, Shunsui didn't cause trouble and even signed the transfer approval without hesitation. Originally, Shunsui had just planned to stop by and grab a drink at some bar, but now that he heard about dinner, he was tempted—especially since the Katori household had some century-aged spirits stashed away. Still, seeing the four disciples following behind Nanatsuki, along with Kotetsu Isane, Kotetsu Kiyone, and Batsu'unsai already in the courtyard, he felt a little guilty about imposing. "I really shouldn't. It'd be such a bother for you, Katori-kun..." Shunsui said, though his legs showed no sign of leaving. "Don't worry. My disciples will handle the prep and cleanup. It won't be any trouble." Nanatsuki had already seen through him. "You're just here for the deer antler wine, aren't you? Sit down. I'll open two jars later," Batsu'unsai said bluntly. "Ahaha, your generosity is overwhelming! Thank you so much!" Shunsui eagerly sat back down. "You glutton, always chasing alcohol. It's gotten you into trouble more than once!" Batsu'unsai shook his head. When she was still active, Shunsui had served as her vice-captain for two years to help with the transition. She knew his personality all too well. "I barely drink nowadays. Being a captain's exhausting—I seriously regret agreeing to that old man's offer. Should've stayed loafing in Squad One!" Shunsui said, half-joking. In truth, he'd dumped most of the captain's work onto his vice-captain already.