Tokyo Sword Saint Online Dealing

Nodding noncommittally again, Uesugi Kiyoshi continued, "Where's Maki? I need to talk to her. How's things going with the team? What's she been busy with lately?"

The man in sunglasses, Yamada, seemed to have done his homework and wasn't just a Yakuza who was just going through the motions. He organized his thoughts and responded logically.

"Lord Uesugi, the young lady is usually in her study at this time. Recently, the group has abandoned many shady businesses, and the remaining group assets and management methods will be gradually reformed. This is all handled by the young lady. Because the young lady's plan sacrifices a part of the main family's interests, it prevents the subordinates from suffering sudden economic losses due to the changes. The implementation methods are also very gentle, so there are no voices of opposition yet."

"However, in my humble opinion, it was your overwhelming strength during the previous raid on headquarters that made you stand out. Dongwen's Sword Demon has now surpassed the [Hatchling Dragon] and the [Demon Blade], becoming a symbol of power in the Extreme Path. Under the intimidation of your martial prowess, those below dare not harbor any ulterior motives."

"Lord Uesugi, the young lady often talks about you, but she has been too busy lately to spare any time for you—she will be very happy to see you here."

Uesugi Kiyoshi didn't take the last sentence to heart. How could a lowly gatekeeper like him possibly understand Higashima Maki's feelings? He probably just made a casual compliment.

However, it seems that I, this cheap student, have not been lazy. I quickly recovered from the grief of losing my father and started working hard for my dream.

Uesugi Kiyoshi greatly admires dream chasers who run at full speed, because he is also that kind of person.

He waved his hand to indicate that he understood, then, as if he knew the way well, he took a roundabout route through the maze-like Japanese garden and headed straight for the study.

Watching Uesugi Kiyoshi's retreating figure, a man in a black suit mustered his courage and approached the man in sunglasses, Yamada, asking in a low voice, "Yamada-san, is that... that gentleman..."

Yamada made a suspenseful gesture to be quiet, and seeing that there were no outsiders around, he cleared his throat smugly, looking like he was patiently persuading someone.

"Hmph, you newcomers, you'd better remember the face of that lord well. That is the powerful swordsman who single-handedly stormed into the lair of the rebel Dong Wenyu with only a sword, supported the young lady to the throne, killed countless enemies, and was so powerful that even swords and guns could not get close to him. He is said to be the direct descendant of the sword saint of the Shinkage-ryu school, and is known as the Dongwen Sword Demon, Lord Uesugi!"

"Don't let his young age fool you. When it comes to fighting skills, even if all of you came at him together, you wouldn't be a match for a single swing of his sword!"

Yamada was pleased with the shocked expressions on his underlings' faces. After thinking for a moment, he swallowed the rest of his words to avoid saying anything that might cause trouble.

These individuals involved may not know it, but which member of the Dongwen Association, from top to bottom, doesn't have some suspicions?

Uesugi-sama's strength goes without saying. He has a lineage with the old chairman, a clean family background, and has saved the young lady from danger several times. The young lady even transferred ownership of several companies under her control to him. These are not small companies. They are important companies that manage shipping and foreign trade, are the core economic source of Dongwen, and facilitate smuggling.

This is clearly the treatment for a son-in-law!

Moreover, the two are a perfect match, both handsome and beautiful, and of similar age—who knows who will be in charge of Dongwen in the future!

Why else would he be so respectful? He's at least a minor leader, and a meritorious member, so he can speak with his head held high in the Dongwen Society!

A few minutes later, Uesugi Kiyoshi arrived at the door of the detached study. After thinking for a moment, he politely knocked on the door.

"Please come in."

A melodious but clearly weary female voice followed.

Uesugi Kiyoshi pushed open the door and entered, slightly taken aback.

The room was lit with a soft, orange-yellow light, and the furnishings were in a traditional study style. There were antique bookshelves all around, and in the center of the room was an extremely large desk with many organized documents scattered on it. The laptop emitted a fluorescent white light, which was reflected on the beautiful young woman's face, giving her somewhat haggard appearance a faint glow.

Maki Azuma seems to be a huge fan of kimonos. Apart from furisode, she is rarely seen wearing other clothes. However, her beautiful face, typical of traditional Japanese beauties, makes the luxurious clothes complement her perfectly.

The young Lord of Dongwen was writing something at his desk, not even lifting his eyelids, and simply asked indifferently, "Is there something you need?"

She may have mistaken the visitor for a subordinate reporting to her. In just a few days, the girl's voice had gained a new air of authority, which was not present before. It seems that she has successfully assumed the role of the second-generation leader of the Dongwen Association.

Uesugi Kiyoshi didn't speak, but glanced to the side and met the eyes of the demon sword Shinzumi, who was dressed in a samurai outfit. He nodded as a greeting, then looked at Higashimaki Maki with a half-smile, feeling a little sentimental.

People do grow, and disasters are the catalyst for growth. Dong Wenjue was cunning and shrewd; his death was not in vain. The girl in front of him now is completely different from the naive and innocent girl he first met.

Perhaps because she hadn't received a response for so long, Maki Azuma frowned, her brows revealing a hint of authority. She raised her eyes and looked serious, about to say something, when her slightly angry expression turned into surprise.

If I had to use a metaphor, it would be like a little girl who discovers on her birthday that everyone has forgotten her birthday, but then arrives at a surprise party prepared by her family and friends that evening and receives her favorite gift; her eyes are practically overflowing with joy.

Perhaps realizing that her expression was somewhat inappropriate, Maki Higashimaki forcibly suppressed her joy and stood up somewhat reservedly, though the happiness in her voice was still undeniable.

"Sir, you've arrived."

"Why didn't you notify me beforehand? Has the master had dinner yet? I'll have someone prepare some—please sit for a while, Shencheng, go make some tea."

The famous demon sword of Dongwen was treated like a maid, but he didn't show any resentment. He just obediently prepared the tea set and actually prepared to brew tea.

Uesugi Kiyoshi smiled faintly and, without any ceremony, sat down opposite the desk. He casually glanced at the documents and saw many profound and complex project proposal titles, which made him sigh.

"Yes, it was something urgent, and I couldn't explain it over the phone, so I came directly over. I hope I didn't bother you?"

A rare smile appeared on Dongwen Zhenxi's face. She shook her head slightly and said, "No, sir, these are not important matters. It's just that I have just taken over the affairs of the Dongwen Association, so I have been handling more of them personally. I also have the intention of learning. Otherwise, I could have delegated these tasks to my subordinates."

"Putting that aside, sir, is there something you need for me today? Could it be that you've finally remembered that I'm still your disciple and are here to teach me swordsmanship?"

She made a little joke, but judging from Uesugi Kiyoshi's expression, she knew that wasn't the case.

Although Uesugi Seiki was a man who could keep things to himself, Maki Higashifumi could clearly sense the solemnity in his every move and word.

He seemed to be carrying a heavy burden. Although he was smiling, it wasn't a complete smile. He was a bit like himself when he was burdened with a blood feud, and there was always something he couldn't let go of in his heart.

Maki Higashimaki, always intelligent, realized that something must have happened, so she didn't change the subject and decided to listen to what Kiyoshi Uesugi had to say first.

As expected, Uesugi Kiyoshi sighed, tapped the table with his fingers, organized his thoughts, and said in a low voice, "Although it's not good to bother you at this time, and the Dongwen Association is in dire need of rebuilding, this matter is really urgent for me, and I'm not very confident, so I can only use all my resources to deal with it."

"That's how it is."

He told Azuma Maki everything in detail, without hiding anything, from the sudden and bizarre nature of the rain, to the mission received by the Collectors Association, to the in-depth investigation, the cult of Arakawa no Nushi, the entanglement between the Deep Ones and the Outer Gods, and the secret ritual infection of Ueno Mitsuishi. Finally, he told Azuma Maki his entire plan.

"So, sir, you're going to declare war on a certain god?"

"Or...the so-called 'Outer God'? Sorry, I don't quite understand this concept, but it sounds like it's much more powerful than that Tosho Shinjun who died by your sword, right?"

After hearing what had happened, Maki Azuma's face showed neither surprise nor panic, only deep worry.

"Well, there's no comparison. You know the disaster assessment standards of the Collectors Association, right? Back then, the Tosho Shinjun was at most a Tenshu-level disaster, which was only the power of a city. This time, the opponent may have the destructive power of a nation-state—that god may have the ability to overthrow a country in his own dream world."

Uesugi nodded and truthfully stated his judgment.

"But, sir, you are determined to kill it, aren't you?"

Maki Azuma looked directly into Kiyoshi Uesugi's eyes, her expression resolute despite the question.

Uesugi Kiyoshi didn't speak, but simply nodded silently.

Maki Higashiwagi's furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and the smile on her lips became more and more obvious; she even chuckled softly.

"Isn't it because of this that so many people follow you?"

"That kind of attitude of risking one's life for someone who isn't even close to you is really cool."

She uttered those two sentences absentmindedly, then seemed to have thought of something, her expression softening.

Uesugi Kiyoshi was slightly taken aback, then quickly shook his head.

"Don't talk nonsense. I'm not some saint. I have no intention of risking my life for strangers. Ueno-senpai was a retainer entrusted to me by Akutagawa and has helped me a lot. Besides—he's a good man. Good people shouldn't die a violent death. I saw it, so I had to do something!"

This was exactly what Maki Higashimoto expected. The girl, dressed in a cherry blossom-colored furisode, rested her chin on her hands, put down her pen, smiled brightly, and parted her red lips slightly.

"Yes, if you see it, you have to do something about it."

"Just like when you saw me helpless and dying at your doorstep—you stepped forward and saved me, didn't you?"

Uesugi Kiyoshi clicked his tongue, feeling somewhat confused. He didn't know why, but deep down, he was resisting the fact that he was being treated as a good person. He didn't know why, but he just didn't want to admit that he could have a kind heart.

So he started to talk back.

“You are different. Dongwen has a close relationship with my master, and I have also accepted my master’s request to temporarily be your teacher. What teacher would just stand by and watch his disciple die on the spot?”

Maki Azuma smiled gently: "Not all teachers would take a bullet for their students, would they?"

After saying that, she didn't wait for Uesugi Kiyoshi's reply and continued to ask, "Okay, okay, if that's what you say, then I'll take it as such."

"However, didn't Miss Kyoko also benefit from your kindness, sir, to live the life she has now?"

When Uesugi Kiyoshi heard Higashimaki mention Kyoko's name, he felt a little flustered—his relationship with Kyoko wasn't kept secret, and anyone could easily find out the details. He wasn't surprised that Higashimaki knew about their ambiguous relationship.

He just felt a strange palpitation—when a girl cheerfully asks you about another girl in front of you, your response might be the deciding factor in whether you spend the rest of your time at your funeral or in a recovery ward.

However, Uesugi Kiyoshi remained true to his straight-man nature. He cleared his throat, adopted the authority of a master, raised his eyes, and said hesitantly, "Then just assume I was lustful!"

Upon hearing this, Maki Azuma couldn't help but burst out laughing, a truly stunning smile that would make even the most beautiful flowers pale in comparison.

She covered her mouth with her sleeve and chuckled softly, "Lust at first sight? But... I've never even crossed your mind."

She has absolute confidence in her appearance. It's not that she's arrogant or narcissistic; it's just that her face is truly flawless.

But for those who don't appreciate beautiful jade, even the most flawless piece is useless.

Chapter 214 A Sudden Confession

Since ancient times, gentlemen have worn jade, which is also paired with beautiful women.

Although Uesugi Kiyoshi was unwilling to admit it, he was actually quite chauvinistic. In his eyes, traditional women like Nohara Kyoko, who were obedient to him, were more popular.

The main reason is that there aren't many people left who can help him with his extraordinary career, so he still has to rely on himself—well, maybe he can live off Li Fuyao?

He shook his head, immediately dismissing the dangerous thought from his mind. He tugged at the corners of his mouth, his smile beginning to stiffen.

The voice of Azuma Maki was a little soft, but with his current heightened senses, he could hear a pin drop in such a confined space.

He desperately wanted to play dumb and get away with it, because he didn't know if he was just being presumptuous, but he felt that the expression on Azuma Maki's face was similar to that of the female classmate in school who had confessed her love to him so passionately because of his good looks.

Of course, Maki Azuma's reasons shouldn't be so superficial; perhaps it's due to the so-called "love suspension bridge effect"?

Psychologists believe that when people of the opposite sex cross a suspension bridge together, the danger of the environment and the resulting tension and increased heart rate make it easier for love to blossom. This is why the "hero saves the damsel in distress" trope has remained popular throughout the world.

The things Uesugi Kiyoshi and Higashima Maki experienced together were far more thrilling than crossing a suspension bridge.

Therefore, it seems not impossible that he has already established a tall and majestic image in Azuma Maki's mind, and that this not-so-old girl has romanticized this image into love.

Uesugi Kiyoshi stopped tapping his fingers on the table. Across from him, Higashima Maki threw a straight shot, then lowered her eyes and stopped looking at him, leaving him unable to fathom the thoughts of the beautiful woman in front of him.

"Ah, what the seniors said really makes sense. If you could read a girl's mind, you'd have to be a really high-level player. I'm still far from that level."

He sighed, patted his face, moved the muscles around his mouth, and shook his head helplessly.

"I feel like you're implying something—you're actually quite envious of Kyoko, aren't you? What, does the eldest daughter of the prestigious Dongwen family also want to come to my house to do my laundry and cook for me, and become a full-time housewife?"

Maki Azuma slightly raised her eyes, her cheeks flushed slightly, but her gaze was very serious.

"Well, I'm a little unwilling, but if it's you, sir, I can do it."

Uesugi, who had expected his obedient disciple to back down, ignored his subtle hints and instead turned the tables on him, leaving him speechless and choked with envy. What was going on? Was he having a run of bad luck with women lately? Things had been so peaceful before, and now it had turned out like this?

Come to think of it, this change only happened from the day the Hundred Demons Scroll took effect, right?

It's all because of the Hundred Demons Scroll!

Unreasonably shifting the blame to his own cheat ability to alleviate some of his guilt, Uesugi Kiyoshi smiled bitterly and said, "So, Father's last wish, Dongwen's future, and the trust in your subordinates are all less important than me alone, is that it?"

"To be honest, I'm deeply honored. But, Maki, we've only known each other for a few days. Are your thoughts truly genuine and in accordance with your heart?"

"Although it might seem like I'm being hypocritical for saying these things, a wrong start will inevitably lead to a wrong ending. A racing heart on a suspension bridge doesn't necessarily mean you're truly smitten."