From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman, Vol. 1: My Hotshot Disciples Are All Grown Up Now, and They Won’t Leave Me 
Alone may be long winded, but as a title it actually does a great job telling you everything about this book.
While there is certainly more nuance inside the storytelling, the title gives you 80 percent of the book up front. Beryl took over the teaching duties at his father’s dojo out in the country, only to then be badgered about giving him grandkids. After years of training students, one of them comes to bring him out of the country and into the capital to train knights. The only problem is Beryl has no self-confidence and believes that he really is only good enough to train people in sword self defense in a backwoods dojo. To his surprise he learns many of his disciples have become the most powerful knights in the kingdom.
Former disciple Allusia has become commander of the Liberion Order, overseeing the kingdom’s most elite knights. She still carries the sword he gave her when she graduated, and she still carries a torch for him in her heart. Unknown to Beryl she swore long ago to bring him into the light so he would get the credit he was due as the greatest swordsman alive. She rose higher and higher in the ranks until she was able to secure a position for master Beryl as Special Instructor to the Liberion Order. Knowing he wouldn’t accept it as an offer, she constructed a plan to have him specially appointed by Imperial Order so he can’t refuse.
While Beryl might feel like an imposter, he still has a sense of duty and complies. When he arrives at the capital, feeling quite overwhelmed by the size and scope of the city, he is awed by the size of the fighting force and their capabilities. They soon run into another former disciple, Serena, who is a member of the Black Adventurers Guild and also incredibly powerful. Serena and Allusia are rivals and both want Beryl’s attention. At this point we get the first real indication of Beryl’s abilities and throughout the rest of the book there will be moments where the audience learns that his reputation is earned. He’s fast, instinctual and strong. Beryl earns the respect of the city knights and seems to be settling into the idea that he could do some good here. The book closes by introducing a mysterious magic user who is interested in Beryl and may or may not have ties to him as well.
The art in this story is really enjoyable and a highlight of the book. The characters are all distinct and easy to identify. The world is clear and detailed, without any panel ever feeling too busy or muddy. There are hallmarks of fantasy storytelling in the layout of the world, like the characters’ dress and the buildings, but it doesn’t feel like a retread of other story locations. The place and people all feel intentional and distinct, which helps keep the reader invested and intrigued.
Yen Press has this book rated ages 13 and up, which feels about right. There isn’t anything overtly objectionable in this book for younger readers, but they likely wouldn’t keep up with the pace or context. This volume contains only sword fighting as dueling, violence wise, but I imagine that expands in future volumes as the world and conflict around them grows. There are currently two more volumes slated for English translation, so more of this series will be available soon.
From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Vol. One
By Shigeru Sagazaki, and Tetsuhiro Nabeshima
Art by Kazuki Sato
Yen Press, 2024
ISBN: 9798855401899
Company Age Rating: Teen
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Creator Representation: Japanese,
