Tokyo people don't talk about Wude

Chapter 426, Section 423: The Eve Festival of Gensokyo (2)

Tokyo, Shujin Private Academy

Despite the fact that the holiday has already started, this university welcomed hundreds of students dressed in neat uniforms this morning.

They gathered inside the stadium, surrounded by flags and signs covered with protest slogans.

Similar scenes are also occurring in more than half of the high schools and universities in Tokyo, where students are being organized and incited to hold protests tonight.

"Are you kidding me? I'm here anyway."

Amidst the bustling crowd, Yuji Suzuki unconsciously curled up, trembling uncontrollably.

Tonight's protest involves them joining other protesters in storming Tokyo Tower and disrupting the "Gensokyo Project."

At that time, they will face heavily armed soldiers and special agents, as well as artificial monsters similar to Red Ember, in front of the blockade line.

According to intelligence, before the Izanami Core is officially activated, the Japanese government will try its best to avoid harming civilians and protect these important "fuels".

However, if they were to clash violently with the army, no one could guarantee that an accidental shooting would not occur.

The thought filled Suzuki Yuujin with dread. Even his most trusted blond-haired friend had dyed his hair back to black last night, so that he wouldn't be such an easy target.

He had to admit that he was a coward. Although he once thought that he would one day become a man on par with Kyushu's brother, he eventually realized that this was just wishful thinking. He was just a coward who dared not risk his life.

And he is not alone in feeling fear and confusion; there are quite a few students like him here.

These naive students face the biggest challenges of how to stand out at sports festivals and school festivals, and how to express their feelings to the classmates they have a crush on.

Today, however, they must stand up against a national government agency that is trying to kill them.

Many students were already hiding at home in fear, even though they knew that running away would only lead them to certain death.

The students who came to school to report for duty, filled with immense fear, knew that their only chance of survival was through fighting, while running away meant certain death.

Besides, with so many people participating in the protest, perhaps the Grim Reaper's scythe won't fall on them. Many students felt much better with this wishful thinking.

"Hey, Suzuki." A somewhat weak male voice came from beside him: "Hey, why did you suddenly dye your hair back? Are you afraid of being used as target practice?"

Yuji Suzuki turned his head and saw that it was Kishou Karasawa who was greeting him.

The chubby boy had a sallow complexion and bloodshot eyes, and looked much thinner than before.

"Don't tease me, you fatso," Suzuki Yuji said weakly. "It's obvious you've been so scared these past few days that you haven't been able to sleep."

"You talk like you can sleep well," Tang Zegui rolled his eyes. "Seriously, has this world gone mad?"

After saying that, he looked at Takatsuki Genji standing to the side and asked, "Takatsuki-nii, you think so too, right?"

"..." Takatsuki Genji seemed not to hear. He leaned against the wall, holding a pure white baseball in his hand, lost in thought, as if holding a talisman.

"Sigh," Tang Zegui sighed, then asked, "By the way, your girlfriend didn't come, did she?"

"Forget about it. Her parents definitely won't let her do anything dangerous. She's probably locked up at home." Suzuki Yuujin leaned back in his chair and sighed, looking up at the sky. "Besides, I won't allow her to go out and take risks either. Fighting is something for real men."

"Sigh, I really envy you guys," Tang Zegui sighed, slumping in his chair. "At least you've found love. I might be a bachelor until I die, never even having the chance to hold a girl's hand."

"Hey, what are you saying! It's like we're going to die today!" Suzuki Yuuji immediately jumped up and punched him on the head:
"You absolutely have to survive! I'll introduce you to a girlfriend later, how about that?!"

"Come on, you're a guy with a perfect score in theory but zero in practice, stop bragging." Tang Zegui didn't resist this time, but just rubbed his head and gave a sad, bitter smile.

"You were Kyushu's love advisor for so long back then, but you still couldn't get him a girlfriend."

"Th-that was an accident." Suzuki Yuujin was about to subconsciously defend himself, but in the end, it turned into a sigh.

His gaze also unconsciously fell on Mizuhashi Eiki, one of Kyushu's former "girlfriend candidates".

Mizuhashi Eiji is on the podium, giving a passionate and inspiring speech to some students, trying to boost their morale.

She tried her best to straighten her petite back and speak loudly, appearing every bit the charismatic student leader. But Suzuki Yuujin and Karasawa Takashi knew she was just forcing herself.

Mizuhashi, a junior student, dislikes public speaking, is not assertive, and has no desire to be a leader.

If she had a choice, she might prefer to be a quiet and reserved literary girl, like a mimosa.

But the world is beyond our control; in order to survive, everyone is forced to play roles they don't like.

They were like that, and so was the eldest brother of Kyushu, only more painful, more desperate, and more insane than them.

Finally, seemingly led by several teachers, the protesting students from Xiujin Academy left the gymnasium in order and formed a long line on the playground.

Subsequently, the protest team of about two or three hundred people surged out of the school gate like a long dragon.

Filled with unease, bewilderment, despair, and anticipation, the teenagers took to the streets with placards, gradually joining other groups to form an ever-growing trend.

Tokyo, Tsukuyomi Kendo Dojo
Dozens of people sat on the floor in the training room, dressed in kendo uniforms but with bulletproof and knife-proof armor underneath. The swords beside them were also real, sharpened weapons, like samurai about to go to the battlefield.

Among them were students, teachers, and kendo athletes from the kendo dojo, gathered here to participate in the battle that evening.

"Aman, I didn't expect you to come too." Nan Hehui, holding his sword pouch, looked warily at Iwata Mitsuru, who was kneeling not far away.

A dozen or so people had gathered around Iwata Mitsuru; they were all kendo practitioners who had come from Fukuoka.

"Nan Hehui, I know you won't trust me." Iwata Mitsuya wore a stern, sour face, feigning indifference as he said, "But you should also know that my brother was killed by those bastards. So I must fight no matter what!"

"Heh, I never imagined that my most valued swordsmanship genius, Iwata Towa, would fall to such a state~" Just then, Miyamoto Aki, carrying a katana, pushed open the door and swaggered in:
"Even Kyushu Makoto is like that. Hahaha~ Am I, Miyamoto Aki, destined to be unlucky in this life, with all my respected rivals leaving me?"

"Master!" Nan Hehui immediately bowed.

"Alright, alright, no need for formalities~" Miyamoto Aki waved his hand at his apprentice, who was even older than him, and then looked at Iwata Mitsuru:

“Iwata Mitsuru, I remember you, that loser who tried to win the children’s competition by underhanded means.”

Iwata Mitsuru's face grew even colder, but he could only grit his teeth and say, "You're right, I can't refute you."

Miyamoto Aki did not continue to make things difficult for him. Instead, he stepped forward, patted the other person on the shoulder, and said softly:

"I was a little surprised to see you arrive this morning. But I understand how you feel, so please take good care of me this time."

"Thank you, thank you." Iwata Mitsuru suddenly felt flattered and, suppressing his emotions, nodded and said, "Please take care of me tonight."

After greeting everyone, Miyamoto Aki ignored the others and sat down by the window, gazing out thoughtfully.

What came into view was the city where he had lived for eighteen years, and the protesters who took to the streets one after another.

Tonight, this "high school top-level swordsman" will also participate in the battle, contributing his sword skills to this carnival festival called "Gensokyo".

"Speaking of which, I'm probably the only high school Special Grade player willing to fight, right?" Miyamoto Aki grinned, inhaling a breath of fresh air carrying the scent of early spring flowers.
"Heh, I didn't need to get involved in this mess in the first place."

Following that nationally broadcast night, the students of Takamagaharamine Private School received protection from the school and government agencies, especially those who were "gifted students".

After all, the vast majority of Takamagahara Peak students are from noble and wealthy families, and are naturally qualified voters to enter the "New World." These "gifted students" inherit the best souls and genes, and are worlds apart from ordinary commoners who are only fit to be fuel. It is impossible to abandon them casually.

Some of the "gifted students" came from ordinary backgrounds, and in order to appease them, Takamagahara Peak Academy even allowed them to bring their families and friends to take refuge there.

That is why, even knowing the truth, not a single teacher or student at Takamagahara Peak was incited to rebel.

They are gods standing atop Takamagahara, belonging to a different race from the common people struggling through the streets of Tokyo. The threat of death will not befall them.

But Miyamoto Aki became an anomaly. He secretly escaped from the shelter arranged for them by the school and returned to the kendo dojo that had given him his kendo enlightenment, just like Prometheus who stole the fire and descended to earth.

Miyamoto Aki was a born swordsman and a fanatical warrior. Because of this, he had a compelling reason to fight.

He likes an old Chinese proverb: "What is past cannot be changed, but what is to come can still be pursued."

It means that what has happened cannot be undone, but what will happen in the future can still be remedied.

For Miyamoto Aki, the greatest "deceased" in his life was Iwata Towa, the "Young Sword Saint of Fukuoka" who passed away before he had mastered swordsmanship.

The biggest "entrant" in his life was Makoto Kyushu, the "Tokyo detective boy" he met in Fukuoka.

Iwata Tower was a mountain he longed to climb but could never reach, while Kyushu Makoto was an ocean he had sailed countless times and tried to conquer; both brought him joy.

But he also understood the principle that "the dead are gone." No matter how much Iwata Towa moved him, he was ultimately just an "outdated person" who could not be brought back, a regret that was destined to remain forever out of reach for him.

Therefore, he has always poured his "love" for his rival into Kyushu Makoto alone.

But tonight's battle felt like a huge surprise from God.

His "past" and "present" would appear on the same battlefield at the same time!

"Hehehe, Kyushu Makoto, let's fight side by side again!" Miyamoto Aki grinned wildly, his expression filled with elation.
"Such an amazing feast, I absolutely cannot miss it even if it kills me, otherwise I will regret it for the rest of my life!!"

An abandoned factory in the Yamaya area of ​​Taito Ward, Tokyo.
"Weapons, equipment, routes, plans—everything's all set, right?"

Hundreds of rioters were gathered in the factory. Some were moving cargo boxes, some were checking guns and bulletproof vests, and some were hunched over tables staring at battle maps. Everyone was making preparations for the battle in full swing.

Among these thugs were thugs, retired gangsters, shady professionals, amateur fighters, and even defecting police officers and soldiers.

They were a combat unit meticulously arranged by Kagari Otonashi, all of them ruthless individuals who had tasted blood and possessed considerable combat experience, and all willingly fought to protect their homeland.

She also arranged for several combat units like these.

Under the command of Kagari Otonashi, they will be responsible for a series of important tasks, including harassment, cover, and assault.

These people had not received rigorous military training and would definitely be a disorganized mess on the battlefield. However, Kagari Otonashi had prepared ample firearms and protective gear for them, so even if they were at their worst, they could still fire a couple of shots to serve as a morale booster.

Moreover, tonight is a do-or-die battle. Even if the strength is vastly different, they have no choice but to fight to the bitter end.

Kagari Otonashi had secretly arranged backup measures to prevent them from fleeing too quickly; from the very beginning, they could only fight to the death.

"It's about to start." Yugami Ken rested his hands on the table, his eyes fixed on the map on it.

"At 7 p.m. sharp, we set off from the B2 route and then split into two groups. One group went to confront the Self-Defense Force blockade line on the west side of the port area, while the other group tried to break through the defense line and engage in a head-on firefight."

Muttering to himself about tonight's battle plan, Yuujin Ken's heart sank, and his mind became hazy, as if it were all a dream.

The "brothers" in the factory seemed to have no sense of crisis whatsoever. Many of them were smoking and drinking, chatting and laughing, as if they were preparing to participate in a festival parade.

But Xi Shenjian knew that they were just numbing their senses. Otherwise, they would have been terrified and routed long ago.

Yugami Ken admired these people's courage, but after tonight, how many people would be left in this factory?

"Hey, what's with that long face, Attorney Xi Shen?" A thug in a knitted hat and a worn-out jacket put his arm around his shoulder and teased him in a friendly manner.
"If you're scared, you can join the protest; at least there's no danger there, right?"

The thug's name is Kensuke Uesugi. He once received help from lawyer Ken Yuugami and was acquitted, so he always regarded him as a sworn brother. The two later worked closely together.

"Don't talk about life and death so lightly," Yushin Ken sighed, and said.

"Aren't you afraid of dying?"

Kensuke Uesugi immediately straightened his face and slapped Ken Yuugami hard on the back: "Damn it, I finally managed to forget about this!"

"I-I'm sorry." Ignoring the pain in his back, Yuujin Ken simply shrank his head apologetically.

"."

After a moment of silence, Yuugami Ken spoke again:

“You all chose this path, and I’m not shameless enough to mingle with women and children in the ‘civilized protest’ ranks.”

“But you’re no longer one of us thugs, why take such a risk?” Kensuke Uesugi shook his head and laughed.
"It was the same before. Even though he had become a high-ranking lawyer, he was still willing to defend a scoundrel like me."

“That’s because…” Yushin Ken paused, then said firmly, “I simply can’t leave you alone when I know you’re innocent! That wouldn’t be in accordance with my principles.”

"Ha, morality!" Kensuke Uesugi pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it himself.

"So, is your choice today also for the sake of morality?"

“Brother Jiuzhou. The man who gave that national speech on television that night, he used to be my assistant.” Xi Shenjian’s face darkened.

“I’ve talked to him a lot before, and we both believe that ‘law’ is the most important thing in this era, and it’s the bottom line that no ‘justice’ can cross.”

"Oh~ This is the first time I've heard you mention this. I think I've met him once." Kensuke Uesugi raised an eyebrow and exhaled a puff of smoke.
"But whether it's him, you, or us... haha, none of us are exactly 'law-abiding' right now!"

"Hehe~ These past few days, I've been examining myself and thinking about why things turned out this way." Yuujin Ken rested his hands on the edge of the table.

"Does this mean that everything we've always believed in and insisted on is meaningless?"

"..." Kensuke Uesugi thought for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, slapping him hard on the back:

"Hahaha~ You scholars are really asking for trouble! How can there be so many twists and turns in the world! If they don't give us a way to survive, we will definitely beat them up!"

Feeling the heavy, repetitive blows to his back, Yuugami Ken felt his chest tremble and couldn't help but cough a few times.

At the same time, the pent-up frustration that had been lingering in his chest was also relieved.

“That’s right, the world has changed.” Yugami Ken seemed to have come to a realization, and sighed heavily.
"The people who made the laws broke them first, making them no longer a shield for ordinary people. Now, it's all irrelevant to justice."

Just then, the factory leader stood on the platform and spoke:

"Hey everyone! Get ready! We're starting in fifteen minutes!"

Kensuke Uesugi nudged Kensuke Yuugami's side with his elbow: "This is your last chance. You can still escape if you want."

“No, I won’t run away.” Yugami Ken raised his head, his fingers trembling as he hooked the pistol on the table and grabbed it.
"Let's go."

(End of this chapter)