I became the Lord of the Eternal World in Tokyo.

Seeing Uesugi Tetsu's serious expression, Imagawa Yoshimoto changed his mind.

No, it should be said that it's a time we have to wait.

She understood the simple principle that "sharpening the axe won't delay the work of chopping wood."

However, the thought that every day of delay would mean more of his people dying at the hands of these demons and diseases filled Imagawa Yoshimoto with a sense of helplessness and self-blame.

Amidst the intense clanging of metal, she took a deep breath.

Imagawa Yoshimoto stored all these distracting thoughts that might shake his reason in one place and coldly observed them.

Just remember.

—It is precisely in times like these that she should remain calm and not let herself be swayed by her emotions, so as to listen to the advice of true "professionals".

"Listen to you."

Imagawa Yoshimoto responded calmly and began discussing more details with Uesugi Tetsu, referring to the map.

Uesugi Tetsu also told her about the characteristics of several sick relatives that he knew so far, and repeatedly emphasized that there were far more than just these kinds of demons that she would have to face.

He emphasized: "Do not drink water from outside sources, do not eat food given by others, and tell me immediately if you are injured."

"I see."

Imagawa Yoshimoto memorized every single word.

—The intense clanging of iron inside the dilapidated temple only gradually subsided when the sun had passed its midday peak and was slowly moving toward the other horizon.

Clang.

The sound of the heavy iron hammer hitting the stone floor could be clearly heard.

A relaxed and cheerful voice came from the Zashiki-warashi: "Hey—Lord Imagawa! This set of armor has been enhanced, why don't you give it a try!"

Having just finished discussing things, Imagawa Yoshimoto, who was sitting on the ground with his eyes closed, opened them and nodded to the girl who was smiling and waving at him.

She walked over and her eyes widened slightly when she saw the stack of glittering, sparkling artifacts piled up to the side.

"Zashiki, thank you for your hard work."

"Hey! What's so hard about this?"

The Zashiki-warashi casually waved his hand and pointed to his neck, which was completely dry: "Look, I haven't even broken a sweat yet, otherwise why would I call it 'cold-blooded forging'?"

"If it's really tough, I won't hold back. I'll make the most of you, Lord Imagawa."

Little God of Fortune said mercilessly.

Then she began to explain the additional forging effects she had added, as a secondary forger.

"Considering the issue of the primary need, I have integrated this entire system into a cohesive whole."

She put her hands on her hips, rubbed her little nose, and chuckled.

"It retains its flexibility, but there are no gaps in its components that can be exploited, as if it is a whole body-hugging circular shield enveloping the main body."

Furthermore, the durability of all components in the complete set can be shared!

"In other words—if the enemy wants to harm you, Lord Imagawa, whether through open attacks or covert ones, they must first shatter this entire system!"

The Zashiki-warashi made a fist-throwing motion.

"Although it's a bit heavy and will reduce the lethality of your sword when you swing it, I don't think that's a big problem."

She then picked up the complete set of parts and looked at Yoshimoto Imagawa with some anticipation: "Please put them on quickly and see how they look! I also want to see the overall effect!"

After listening to Zashiki's full explanation, the two of them were somewhat stunned.

Uesugi Tetsuya was surprised that these two powerful effects could be applied so quickly, and that the forging process could be completed without breaking a sweat.

Imagawa Yoshimoto stood rooted to the spot, completely stunned.

Because it is a security issue that has plagued so many rulers throughout history when they personally led their armies into battle.

Surprisingly, the Zashiki-warashi in front of him was defeated by this set of enhancement tools.

As long as she puts on this set of armor, she can ignore most of the enemy's cannons and arrows, and stand at the forefront of the army to boost morale.

You no longer need to worry about someone suddenly assassinating you while you're in the sedan chair.

After being "simply" forged by the Zashiki-warashi, the significance of this set of gi to Imagawa Yoshimoto has undergone a significant change.

"Okay, I'll try."

Imagawa Yoshimoto didn't say much, but first tied up his hair, and then skillfully put on the kimono piece by piece.

Soon, a dashing female general, shrouded in black armor, appeared before the two.

"The weight has increased by about 30%, but the impact is not too great."

Imagawa Yoshimoto raised his arm, did a simple test, and picked up a few small pieces of scrap iron from the ground.

For ordinary people or foot soldiers, this 20KG weight increase of 30% is certainly deadly, as it will greatly increase the consumption of physical strength.

However, for Yoshimoto Imagawa, who had practiced breathing techniques, it only took a day or two to fully adapt, and it did not cause any unnecessary problems.

"Che-jun, could you please throw these at me?"

Uesugi Tetsu caught the scrap metal, weighed it in his hand for a moment, then shook his head. Instead, he raised his fingertips, which were crackling with tiny arcs of electricity.

"If it can even defend against Yin-Yang magic, it should be able to withstand the attacks of demons."

That makes sense.

If one can defend against lightning with its incredible speed, then ordinary attacks from bows, arrows, cannons, and demons will be even easier to withstand.

Imagawa Yoshimoto nodded: "Then please test it, Che-kun."

As soon as she finished speaking, Uesugi Tetsu flicked his finger, sending a tiny but bright enough bolt of lightning towards Imagawa Yoshimoto's shoulder.

stab...

Imagawa Yoshimoto blinked, showing no signs of discomfort.

But Uesugi Tetsu saw it clearly.

The lightning flashed by in an instant, disappearing into the gap between the shoulder armor and arm armor that caused the faint ripples to spread.

It seems that what Zashiki-warashi said was true.

Next, Uesugi Tetsu increased his spiritual energy output slightly.

Even in the most intense instance, the intensity of the lightning was enough to instantly kill a half-star demon.

It could only cause a faint, barely perceptible tingling sensation throughout Imagawa Yoshimoto's body, and had no real effect.

—What Zashiki-warashi said is entirely true.

—A masterpiece! She truly deserves the title of "master craftswoman"!

Realizing this, Imagawa Yoshimoto turned around again and grabbed the hands of the little lucky charm who was about the same height as her.

She looked directly into the child's innocent eyes and said very sincerely.

"Zashiki, from now on you only need to have a title in the Imagawa family, and you don't need to stay in one place. Just come occasionally to use the rare materials we have prepared to forge a few weapons."

Whether it's a fiefdom, a position, a cultivation technique, or anything else... I will do everything in my power to find it for you.

Would you accept such an invitation?

Compared to the last time, Imagawa Yoshimoto showed his utmost sincerity, practically pointing to the position of head of the Imagawa family and saying, "Here, you sit here."

Because she realized that Zashiki-warashi was not a "very skilled blacksmith".

Instead, like Uesugi Tetsu, he is "a unique talent in the world".

The Zashiki-warashi was made a little embarrassed by the overly enthusiastic tone.

She didn't pretend to hesitate, but shook her head without hesitation: "Thank you for the invitation, but I still have to apologize."

The Zashiki-warashi carefully withdrew her hand, placed it on her chest, closed her eyes, and slowly said,

My heart is telling me—

Zashiki, you want to humbly learn from more and more masters and grandmasters, as well as those craftsmen who surpass you in any aspect of this art.

Zashiki, you want to measure the earth with your own eyes and witness the myriad different and beautiful landscapes.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I guess I'm just the kind of person who can't sit still."

The Zashiki-warashi apologized, but there wasn't the slightest wavering in its eyes or expression.

Imagawa Yoshimoto looked at her.

Do you want to go overseas and travel the whole world?

"What a lofty ambition, Zashiki-warashi... I envy them."

The head of the Imagawa family announced the little lucky god's full name, then said with a fervent gaze, "However, I will still extend an invitation to you when we meet again next time."

She said firmly, "Please be prepared to refuse."

The zashiki-warashi was speechless, then looked at Uesugi Tetsu beside him and found that he also had a helpless expression.

After all, it was with such a fervent offensive that Imagawa Yoshimoto managed to lure him, who originally intended to join Oda Nobunaga, into the Imagawa clan.

But as for next time we meet...

When will we meet again?

How many people will she be lucky enough to meet a second time on this long journey?

The zashiki-warashi pursed her lips, then said to Imagawa Yoshimoto, "I will still refuse, so please don't be disappointed, Master."

"Yes, definitely." Imagawa Yoshimoto nodded slightly.

Then the Zashiki-warashi laughed.

She felt like she had met someone she could be friends with again.

However, there are some regrets about the zashiki.

Because she will most likely never be able to see those she hasn't yet become friends with again...

But where in life are there so many perfect moments?

The Zashiki-warashi patted its cheeks, quietly venting all the dejection in its heart.

She then looked at Uesugi Tetsuya and took out a small golden bell that made a tinkling sound from her pocket: "Tetsuya... Mr., please accept this before we part."

Uesugi Tetsu walked over and accepted the small bell without hesitation, which was exactly the same as the one that had been hanging in the hair of the Zashiki-warashi when he first met her.

But unlike before, the surface of this little bell is now faintly engraved with the character "澈".

【Golden Bell - Che】

[Quality: Rare]

[Effect: Brings a small amount of good luck to a specific wearer.]

【—Wishing you continued success in your military endeavors, Mr. Che.】

"After this parting, I don't know how long it will be before we meet again."

Zashiki smiled and pointed to the bell, saying, "Consider this bell a souvenir."

Uesugi Tetsu was about to say that it hadn't been long.

But then he suddenly remembered that during the trials, Zashiki-warashi had spent almost a hundred years alone in this dilapidated temple.

A hundred years... that's such a long time.

Over the past century, countless people have died and countless people have been born, and even the outside world has changed from the Northern and Southern Dynasties period to the Muromachi period.

Uesugi Tetsuya said nothing more, but instead rummaged through his storage backpack, hoping to find a souvenir as well.

A moment later, he took out a ticket from his backpack that looked exactly like an ordinary Shinkansen ticket.

—【A round-trip ticket for the train】.

It is a precious item obtained after defeating Kisaragi Station. As long as you tear off the anti-counterfeiting label on it, you can board the train to the Otherworld and reach your destination.

Even Uesugi Tetsu kept it without using it.

"What is this?" Zashiki-warashi asked in confusion.

Uesugi Tetsu explained, "This is a ticket that will allow you to see me anytime after the trial is completed."