I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

Qing Deng immediately sensed something different in Sanako's tone and manner of speaking.

He was taken aback at first, then immediately turned his head to look.

With a blank expression and a serious demeanor, Sanako's demeanor remained as aloof as ever.

At first glance, there was nothing unusual about it.

However, after observing carefully, Qing Deng still keenly noticed that between Sanako's beautiful eyebrows, there was a strange emotion that was hard to fathom.

—What's wrong? Why is Ms. Sanako suddenly in a bad mood?

Aoto, bewildered by Sanako's unusual behavior, felt his neck stiffen.

Intelligence was extremely scarce... He dared not act rashly.

So he adopted a tentative tone and said cautiously:

“Okita-kun and I are indeed fellow disciples… Souji is a senior member of the Shieikan Academy; she is the senior disciple, and I am the junior disciple…”

……

—Hmph! Even now, you're still pretending to be confused!

Aoto's "sophistry" only increased Sanako's dissatisfaction.

Her hands, clasped together on her thighs, clenched slightly involuntarily.

If she had only harbored doubts when she saw Aoto and Souji embracing tightly on the stone steps of the Moon Palace Shrine, then now… seeing them soaking their feet while engaging in intimate interactions like lovers, Sanako was absolutely certain—Aoto and Souji were both members of the Sodo sect! Their relationship was far more complex than that of friends or fellow disciples!

This is what they call "the onlooker sees more of the game than the player."

Since confirming their relationship, Aoto and Souji have become increasingly close.

Over time, whether it was Aoto or Souji, once they started communicating with each other in various forms, such as verbal or physical, they would always subconsciously enter a state of "flirting".

—Both men and women are acceptable… Isn’t Tachibana’s hobby a bit too broad?

At this thought, a flickering displeasure arose in Sanako's heart.

—I may have no experience in love, but don't take me for a fool!

Sanako felt a slight sense of pride in her exceptional intelligence and keen observation skills.

—This is nothing shameful or embarrassing, so why hide it?

During the Edo period, the practice of various schools of thought was very popular.

Even if one openly admits to having this kind of interest, one will not be subjected to public abuse or ridicule.

If Aoto is unwilling to reveal the truth due to certain concerns, then Sanako can barely understand it.

However, Qing Deng still kept things hidden from her... which puzzled Sanako greatly.

What's the point?

Do you think I, Chiba Sanako, don't know what kind of person you, Tachibana Aoto, are?

When Aoto brazenly declared that he would marry both her and Kinoshita Mai at the same time, Sanako already knew that Aoto was a person who was quite "philanthropic" when it came to relationships.

Since you've already confessed to me that you love two girls, what's wrong with telling me now that you have another person you admire?

Sanako gave a heavy, cold snort in her heart:

—Forget it! Why should I care so much about him! Tachibana-kun's love life is none of my business!

She intended to end the conversation directly.

Unexpectedly, just when Sanako was about to shut up, Aoto's voice rang out again.

"Miss Sanako, could it be... that you've discovered Okita-kun's secret?"

Qing Deng asked in a low, languid tone.

……

Are they just fellow disciples? — Qing Deng pondered Sanako's words.

—What does Ms. Sanako mean by this? Does she suspect that Ms. Okita and I aren't fellow disciples?

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Qing Deng's mind.

—Could it be… that Ms. Sanako has discovered Ms. Okita's true gender?!

In an instant, Qing Deng's mind was shaken.

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

In this way, everything makes sense.

Why did Sanako ask the question, "Are we just fellow disciples?"

Because she discovered that he and Souji were not "brothers in the same school," but rather "brothers in the same school"!

The revelation of the truth caused Qing Deng to waver.

However, this only lasted for a moment.

In the blink of an eye, Qingdeng regained his composure.

—Calm down... This is just my personal speculation.

Whether this is indeed the case remains to be seen.

Let's just ask Sanako directly!

But... it's not easy to say it directly.

If Sanako's words and actions had another meaning, then when Aoto blankly opened his mouth and asked, "Miss Sanako, have you also discovered that Okita-kun is a girl?" wouldn't that be an admission of guilt?

Therefore, Qingdeng decided to subtly inquire about the truth!

Having made up his mind, Qingdeng sat up straight with a serious expression, creating a restrained atmosphere.

"Miss Sanako, could it be... that you've discovered Okita-kun's secret?"

……

Okita-kun's secret?

Sanako was stunned for a moment, then immediately realized: Okita-kun is indeed a master of all paths!

Aoto's question only strengthened Sanako's belief in the "truth" that "Aoto and Souji are both people of the same path."

She nodded gently and said:

"um, yes."

……

Sanako's nod and her "Yes, that's right" instantly filled Aoto's expression with helplessness.

"Miss Sanako, when did you find out?"

"I only discovered it recently."

"Really... Haha... You found out..."

Qingdeng lowered his head and let out a self-deprecating chuckle.

Sanako tilted her beautiful eyes and secretly observed Aoto's expression.

Hesitant to speak, overwhelmed with mixed feelings—these two phrases perfectly describe Qing Deng's state at this moment.

It seems... Tachibana-kun and Okita-kun really don't want outsiders to know their "secret"...

Thinking of this, Sanako's previously tense facial features relaxed slightly.

"...Tachibana-kun, I will keep this secret strictly and will never tell anyone."

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng gave a wry smile.

"I'm so grateful, you've been a huge help... By the way, Sanako-san, you're amazing! You were able to see through Okita's secret..."

"You guys are too high-profile, it's hard not to see through you, isn't it?"

—High-profile? Hmm…that certainly seems to be the case…

Qingdeng nodded slightly in deep agreement.

Although Souji may have disguised herself as a boy for longer than she showed her true face, she was ultimately a girl at heart.

Therefore, she often unconsciously makes very girlish gestures.

—I need to remind Ms. Okita to be more careful afterwards…

Aoto still trusted Sanako's character.

Since Sanako said she would "keep the secret strictly," she would definitely not break her promise.

Sanako had been keeping a close eye on Aoto's every move.

Qing Deng's relieved expression clearly caught his eye.

She couldn't help but think to herself:

Looking back, she had never heard of Qing Deng and Zong Si liking the common way.

It is easy to imagine that this was the result of their painstaking efforts to conceal the truth.

Although it's unclear why they're so secretive about this, it must have been incredibly difficult for them to keep it hidden all this time.

With this thought in mind, Sanako hesitated and turned to look around.

A moment later, as if she had made up her mind, she raised her hand and gently patted Qingdeng's shoulder as if she were stroking a baby.

The sudden pat on the shoulder startled Qingdeng.

"Miss Sanako, what's wrong?"

Qingdeng looked up and saw beautiful eyes staring straight at him.

"Tachibana-kun... thank you for your hard work."

—Hmm? Is it just my imagination?

Aoto felt that the look Sanako was giving him at that moment seemed to contain a hint of pity...

Although he didn't know what Sanako was up to, Aoto didn't want to talk about this sensitive topic anymore.