Swallow Return

"I see..." Liu Yun remembered this information.

This world of supernatural forces might actually have spells to awaken the dead. If it involves such things, then it's definitely not someone to be trifled with, and not so easy to deal with.

Then Liu Yun asked, "Besides that, does that person have any other extraordinary qualities?"

After receiving permission, Maeno Nagayasu cautiously answered, "No! The opponent was very fast and skilled with hidden weapons, but he didn't use any strange or unusual abilities. It's just that I wasn't good enough to defeat him."

His words were filled with bitterness.

Kinoshita Tokichiro had his servant pour him another cup of tea, and then concluded, "Ambush always fails, and it's impossible to keep a large force away from the front lines for long. This time, the squad that Nagayasu led was full of our elites, but they were still far from being a match for the 'Demon-Slaying Ninjas'... Now it seems that there is no other way but to ask the highly skilled Lord Ryuun for help."

Liu Yun immediately understood what he meant: "You mean I should lure the 'Demon-Slaying Ninjas' into making a move, and then deal with them?"

Kinoshita Tokichiro gave another wry smile: "Forget about dealing with them, I would be grateful if I could just find some useful clues! If we take a step back, at least we can successfully transport the military funds from Mino... Please don't laugh at me, I have to deal with the Asai clan's counterattack right now, and I can't spare a large number of people to escort them, and I urgently need funds to boost morale, it's really troublesome!"

After a moment of restraint, Liu Yun nodded and said, "Since you have given me this order, I will obey. Then please entrust me with the task of transporting military funds. Regardless of whether we encounter the 'Anti-Demon Ninjas' or not, I will make sure to deliver them safely."

"I am truly grateful! You have been a great help! We will certainly not treat you unfairly!" Kinoshita Tokichiro was overjoyed. "It's settled then! It's getting late, please rest first. We will arrange for Lord Ryūun to depart tomorrow!"

Liu Yun smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. The reason he agreed so easily was twofold: firstly, he was optimistic about the development trend of the Oda clan, and secondly, he felt that he would have to venture out into the world to explore it sooner or later, so he might as well go with the flow.

Whether or not there is a material reward is secondary.

As for the risks—fighting monsters year after year is inherently the riskiest thing.

Living in a chaotic world, if one has the idea of ​​gaining power and status through force, one is destined to be deprived of a peaceful life.

Liu Yun was only curious about one question: "Why does this mysterious organization call itself 'Demon-Slaying Ninja'?"

Upon hearing this, Kinoshita Tokichiro was taken aback. After a moment of thought, he speculated, "Last year, our Oda clan broke with the Takeda clan. Lord Shingen of the Takeda clan presumptuously called himself the 'Lord of the Tendai Throne,' and our Lord Nobunaga likened himself to the 'Sixth Heaven Demon King' in protest. It was originally just a joke, but some people may have taken it seriously and truly regarded our Oda clan as 'demons,' so they organized the 'Anti-Demon Ninja'..."

Judging from the other person's expression and demeanor, Liu Yun didn't think he was lying.

However, upon analyzing the other party's words, I felt that there were some inaccuracies.

He didn't press the matter further, simply nodding and saying, "I see." He then accepted Kinoshita Tokichiro's arrangement and went to rest.

Maeno Nagayasu volunteered to lead the way, his attitude extremely humble, as if he truly placed his hopes for revenge on him.

Chapter Twelve Taking on a Heavy Responsibility

Kinoshita Tokichiro watched as Ryuun's figure disappeared from sight, his face still bearing a friendly smile, but a thoughtful look gradually appeared in his eyes.

Hachisuka Masakatsu, who was standing to the side, glanced at him for a moment and then asked, "Lord Kinoshita, I've never really considered the 'Anti-Demon Ninja' matter before... Has the trouble they've caused really reached such a headache?"

"Hmm?" Kinoshita Tokichiro turned to look at him, smiled and shook his head, then nodded. "It is indeed troublesome! However... it seems that it's not unsolvable, but it will consume a lot of favors and money, which may not be worth it. Why did you ask this?"

"Hmm...hmm..." Hachisuka Masakatsu lowered his head and rubbed his temples, then continued, "What about what you said earlier, about the upcoming attack, the tight military funds, and the urgent need to transport a batch of gold and Yongle coins..."

“That’s true, but—” Kinoshita Tokichiro narrowed his eyes: “It’s not the whole truth. Several hundred taels of gold being stolen is indeed a huge amount! Fortunately, I had other preparations in place. Even if I can’t get support from Gifu Castle, I won’t run out of money immediately.”

"As expected, you still harbor doubts about Sasaki Ryūun." Hachisuka Masakatsu asked, puzzled, "Then why was the task of transporting military funds entrusted to him? Such a large sum of money..."

"Two hundred taels of gold and two hundred strings of Yongle coins, is that a lot?" Kinoshita Tokichiro looked up and asked in return, "If it's worth it to find out whether someone as talented as Sasaki Ryuun is trustworthy for just this little bit of money, then it's very worthwhile."

“Alright…” Hachisuka Masakatsu pondered for a moment, then said, “Since we knew he was extremely skilled in martial arts, how could we have let him get so close to you so easily? If he had malicious intent, even the two of us combined might not have been able to subdue him…”

"Haha..." Kinoshita Tokichiro looked proud and took out a black jade pendant from his pocket. He said smugly, "With this treasure bestowed by Lord Nobunaga, the two of us are sure to be able to subdue him. To be honest, if this treasure hadn't reacted just now, based on your description, I would have doubted whether that Ryuun was really that powerful."

"Is that so?" Hearing this, Hachisuka Masakatsu's doubts didn't disappear but deepened. After a moment's hesitation, he mustered his courage and asked again, "Many enemies now say that our Oda clan is a 'demon army,' and that Lord Nobunaga is a 'demon king'... Is this really just a joke? Is this treasure you possess really that powerful? It seems a little... a little strange..."

"Sixth Brother!" Kinoshita Tokichiro's expression suddenly darkened, his tone became stern, and he even used a title he hadn't used in years: "Don't you think that as a loyal retainer of the Oda clan, you shouldn't be questioning this issue?"

"..." Hachisuka Masakatsu lowered his head and remained silent for a long time. He sighed, reached out and picked up the teacup on the table, changing the subject: "Kinoshita-sama, you clearly hate the taste of tea, don't you like honey water? Why are you drinking so much tea every day now?"

"Well..." Kinoshita Tokichiro instantly regained his smile, shaking his head and gesturing pretentiously, "Since so many important figures, including Nobunaga, enjoy the tea ceremony, and I aspire to become an important figure myself, I must cultivate a love for it. Besides, I recently took on a young man named Ishida Mitsunari, who is quite skilled. His tea can heal injuries, calm the mind, and strengthen the body; even Takenaka-sama says it's top-quality! Would you like to try it?"

"I'll pass... I really don't know what's so good about this bitter taste."

"Hey, hey, that's not right. Didn't you hear what I just said? If you want to become a great person, you must fall in love with the tea ceremony! You were so carefree in Kiso River back then, why did you join the Oda clan? Have you forgotten the reason?"

"...You're right. If I want to live a carefree life, I can stay in Kiso River and be a pirate collecting money from boats. Why would I need to join the Oda clan?"

"Here, this cup is just the right temperature. Actually, once you get used to tea, it has a unique flavor that surpasses even honey water."

"...Ugh, it's really bitter!"

……

Because he had taught Hayami Seibei a lesson in front of Hachisuka Masakatsu, Ryūun was clearly regarded as a high-level talent and received a considerable degree of respect.

Where does this respect primarily manifest itself?

This is reflected in the fact that while dozens of minor lords were summoned to participate in the battle, the others stayed in the third or at most the second lord's quarters, and only Ryuun was able to reside in the main quarter of Yokoyama Castle.

Although he himself doesn't think there's anything to be proud of about it.

They're all just similar wooden houses. Does it really matter where they're built?

Maeno Nagayasu arranged a spacious and bright house near the entrance of the citadel, very close to the palace. It could be said to be the area closest to the "center of power".

If it were a real estate development, it would definitely be an extremely popular property.

But Liu Yun felt the location wasn't ideal and casually remarked, "It would be better if it were quieter."

As a result, Maeno Nagayasu changed it without saying a word to a slightly smaller but quiet and secluded house in a corner of the citadel, where one could stay undisturbed.

The place originally belonged to a "diplomatic monk" who acted as a middleman for Kinoshita Tokichiro. The monk was quite arrogant, but under Maeno Nagayasu's "patient persuasion" (physical persuasion), he "willingly" covered his face and gave up the place.

In fact, Liu Yun was just saying it casually, but seeing how seriously Maeno Nagayasu was taking it, he could only express his satisfaction and felt too embarrassed to say anything more.

The conditions in Hengshan City are always the same, so why bother making a fuss?

Maeno Nagayasu found two honest and hardworking male servants to clean the house inside and out carefully. Then he specially left a young maid behind to serve him with a smile.

The girl's face clearly showed an expression of "willingness to provide special services".

The maid's appearance and figure were not particularly outstanding, but she was young enough to be from a well-to-do family. She exuded youthful energy and seemed to have hardly been affected by the passage of time.

Like a tender green scallion just sprouting, or a bowl of white and soft tofu, they may not be considered expensive ingredients, but they can certainly enhance the flavor.

However, Liu Yun only enjoyed a full meal and a bucket of hot water for washing up, and did not do anything else.

Since we're in an unfamiliar environment, it's best to be cautious.

Besides, this little maid's looks and figure are rather ordinary; the degree to which she can arouse a man's physical reaction is nowhere near that of Lady Iori...

Of course, most importantly, it was the noble character of the protagonist, a time traveler, that played a role.

After a peaceful night's rest in the secluded inn, I slept until I naturally woke up the next day. When I opened my eyes, it was already bright daylight. I got up, pushed open the door, and went outside. I saw Maeno Nagayasu patiently waiting at the door. After seeing Ryuun come out, he quickly ordered the servants to help me wash up and serve breakfast.

After they finished eating, Maeno Nagayasu stood respectfully to the side and asked, "Sir, when do you plan to begin the matter we agreed on yesterday: transporting gold to lure out the 'Anti-Demon Ninjas'?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yun thought to himself that since entering Hengshan City, less than ten hours had passed. Although he hadn't seen any particularly extravagant attempts to win him over, he had been receiving meticulous and courteous treatment, which was satisfactory for the time being.

Let's get down to business and get it done cleanly and efficiently!

After a night's rest, Liu Yun had considered the task thoroughly, so he smiled and replied, "I rested well last night, so we can set off today."

Upon hearing this, Maeno Nagayasu was overjoyed at first, but then his expression darkened, and he said in a hoarse voice, "I beg Lord Ryuun to avenge my dead brothers."

Liu Yun did not react to this, but he thought it was indifferent: On the battlefield, swords have no eyes. If you want to kill, you must be prepared to be killed first. How can you indulge in personal grudges?

It seems that Maeno Nagayasu was too obsessed with chivalry and brotherhood, and his magnanimity was obviously not as good as Kinoshita and Hachisuka.

But then I thought, since the previous victims were strangers, I was able to remain so detached. What if it were my Uncle Xinghe or Junior Brother Suifeng who were murdered?

Then there's nothing that can't be understood.

……

Led by Maeno Nagayasu, they arrived at the palace again and saw Kinoshita Tokichiro, who had a pointed mouth, monkey-like face, and a short stature.

This time, the other party was as polite as yesterday. After the meeting, they immediately came over to stop the bowing and presented a document with a smile.

Liu Yun took it and saw that the handwriting was beautiful and the writing was neat. It had Kinoshita Tokichiro's signature and seal, and it was a "letter of peace".

This item serves as proof of ownership of the land in Sasaki Village.

After glancing at it briefly, Liu Yun put the document away.

Before he could even say thank you, Kinoshita Tokichiro pulled out another document, his expression changing from playful to serious.

The second document is a "compliance statement".

The gist of the document is that, following Oda Nobunaga's orders, one can use this document as proof to collect 200 taels of gold plus 200 kan of Yongle coins at Gifu Castle in Mino.

The date was also noted after the signature, stating that it was valid for ten days.

Liu Yun nodded, put the pledge away, and said calmly, "I will set off now. Whether the 'Demon-Slaying Ninjas' come or not, I will definitely return this batch of military funds."

"Please." Kinoshita Tokichiro nodded, then paused and added, "If it's too dangerous, please prioritize saving lives. When Maeno Nagayasu was robbed, although losing gold was a dereliction of duty, we were fortunate to evacuate in time, saving half of the lives, so I won't blame him for it."

Liu Yun was somewhat surprised.

After careful consideration, I was unable to discern whether what the other person said was true or false.

As an ordinary citizen, I used to think that politicians were all incredibly hypocritical, full of grand pronouncements but never telling the truth.

But when Kinoshita Tokichiro said this, he gave the impression of being very sincere and natural, without any sense of pretense.

It seems that he truly values ​​the lives of his subordinates more than money.

Looking back, from the moment we met, Kinoshita Tokichiro didn't utter a single official or cliché phrase; he was quite straightforward.

It's a very strange feeling to have this person standing in front of you.

Even though rationally they believe the other person is not entirely trustworthy, they can't help but feel affection for them emotionally.

Chapter Thirteen: Attacked on the Way

The journey from Yokoyama Castle to Gifu Castle was smooth and without any obstacles.

After carefully observing along the way, and having traveled halfway, Liu Yun could deeply feel that Mino was indeed the stronghold of the Oda clan, and the security situation was much better than in the Omi region.

Occasionally, sentries can be seen patrolling the road. Villagers dare to go out in groups of three or five, and there are even traveling merchants and peddlers who set off alone with baskets on their backs.

Businesses are no longer limited to the area around temples and shrines. The service and value for money at the guesthouses and inns in Omi are much better.

Upon arriving at Gifu Castle in Mino, they still encountered no major problems.

Whether it was the gatekeeper or the city's officials, they all immediately let Liu Yun pass upon seeing the documents he presented, without showing the slightest suspicion or scrutiny, nor did they show any sign of demanding bribes or extorting money.

This is a bit concerning. Can any unfamiliar face simply go through the process smoothly with the corresponding documents?

Is it fair to say that the Oda clan was highly efficient, or simply not vigilant enough?

Perhaps they have some special way of distinguishing between genuine and fake, so they are not afraid of being impersonated.